The first Argentina World Cup captain was Manuel Ferreira. He led the Argentina national football team in the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930, which was held in Uruguay. Under his captaincy, Argentina advanced to the final of the tournament.
Ferreira, a prolific forward, played a pivotal role in the early days of Argentine football. His leadership in the 1930 World Cup marked Argentina's debut on the global football stage, establishing a legacy that would continue through decades of competitive play.
Notable Argentina World Cup Captains
Beyond Manuel Ferreira, Argentina has been captained by numerous legendary players throughout its World Cup history. The following table highlights some of the captains from later World Cup tournaments, including those who led the team to victory:
| Year | Manager(s) | Captain |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | César Luis Menotti | Daniel Passarella |
| 1986 | Carlos Bilardo | Diego Maradona |
| 1990 | Carlos Bilardo | Diego Maradona |
| 2014 | Alejandro Sabella | Lionel Messi |
This list showcases several iconic figures who have worn the captain's armband for Argentina in significant World Cup campaigns. Daniel Passarella famously captained the side to their first World Cup triumph on home soil in 1978. Later, Diego Maradona led Argentina to their second World Cup victory in 1986 with an unforgettable individual performance, and continued his captaincy in 1990. More recently, Lionel Messi has captained the team in multiple World Cups, including the 2014 tournament where Argentina reached the final.
For a comprehensive overview of Argentina's historical performance and participation in the tournament, you can explore their FIFA World Cup history.
