World Cup 2022 power rankings: Breaking down the final 32

Now all the finalists for Qatar have been confirmed, we assess who look most likely to lift the trophy in six months

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his side's third goal during a friendly match against Estonia at El Sadar stadium in Pamplona, northern Spain, Sunday, June 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos)

1) Argentina.

Four years ago Argentina went home from Russia in a mess. Now they look in the best shape of all the contenders and what a story it would be if Lionel Messi crowned his final World Cup with the trophy. Lionel Scaloni’s team were unbeaten in qualifying – although they must contest one more replayed dead rubber against Brazil, who they defeated last year to win a first Copa América since 1993 – and overwhelmed Italy in the “Finalissima”. Is a 36-year duck ready to be broken?