Argentina's 2014 World Cup Squad: Where Are They Now?

by Jhon Lennon 54 views

The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil was a heart-stopping ride for Argentina. Led by the legendary Lionel Messi, La Albiceleste captivated fans worldwide with their skill, determination, and unwavering spirit. While they ultimately fell short in the final against Germany, the memories of that tournament remain vivid for Argentinian supporters. So, what happened to the heroes of that squad? Let's dive in and see where the key players from Argentina's 2014 World Cup team are now.

The Goalkeepers

  • Sergio Romero: The undisputed number one for Argentina in 2014, Romero was a penalty shootout specialist and a reliable presence between the posts. After the World Cup, he continued his career at Manchester United, although opportunities were limited. He later moved to Venezia and then Boca Juniors in Argentina. Currently, he continues to be a key player for Boca Juniors, showcasing his experience and leadership. Romero's career has been a mix of club stability and international prominence, always being a respected figure in Argentinian football.
  • Mariano AndĂșjar: A veteran goalkeeper, AndĂșjar served as a backup to Romero in 2014. He has had a long and varied career, playing for clubs in Argentina, Italy, and Spain. After the World Cup, he continued playing in Argentina, primarily for Estudiantes de La Plata. AndĂșjar has been a consistent performer in the Argentinian league, providing stability and experience to his teams. His career reflects a commitment to Argentinian football, where he remains a respected and seasoned player. He is known for his shot-stopping abilities and command of his area.
  • AgustĂ­n Orion: Another experienced goalkeeper in the squad, Orion provided further backup. His club career has mainly been in Argentina, with notable spells at San Lorenzo and Boca Juniors. After 2014, he also played for Racing Club before retiring. Orion was known for his strong presence and leadership qualities. While he may not have had as much international spotlight as Romero, he was a significant figure in Argentinian club football for many years, contributing with his experience and solid goalkeeping skills. He retired from professional football, marking the end of a career dedicated to the sport.

The Defenders

  • Pablo Zabaleta: A tireless right-back, Zabaleta was known for his tenacity and work rate. He continued to play for Manchester City after the World Cup before moving to West Ham United. He retired from professional football in 2020. Zabaleta was celebrated for his consistent performances and dedication, becoming a fan favorite wherever he played. His contributions to Manchester City were particularly significant, where he won several titles. After retiring, he has remained involved in football through media appearances and ambassadorial roles. He is often remembered for his passion and commitment on the field.
  • Federico FernĂĄndez: A solid center-back, FernĂĄndez has had a consistent career in Europe. After the World Cup, he played for Swansea City, Newcastle United, and currently plays for Al Duhail. FernĂĄndez is known for his aerial ability and defensive positioning. His career has been marked by stability and consistent performances in various European leagues. He remains a reliable defender, contributing his experience and defensive skills to his current team. His time in the English Premier League solidified his reputation as a dependable center-back.
  • Ezequiel Garay: A composed and elegant defender, Garay formed a strong partnership with FernĂĄndez. He played for Zenit Saint Petersburg and Valencia after the World Cup. Unfortunately, he had to retire from professional football due to persistent injury issues. Garay was highly regarded for his technical skills and tactical awareness. His early retirement was a loss to the footballing world, as he was considered one of the top defenders of his generation. Despite his shortened career, he left a lasting impact with his performances for club and country.
  • Marcos Rojo: A versatile defender, Rojo played as a left-back or center-back. He continued his career at Manchester United after the World Cup but faced injury challenges. He later returned to Argentina, playing for Estudiantes and Boca Juniors. Rojo is known for his aggressive style of play and versatility. His time at Manchester United was marked by flashes of brilliance, although injuries often hampered his progress. He remains a passionate and committed player, contributing his experience and tenacity to his teams.
  • MartĂ­n Demichelis: An experienced center-back, Demichelis provided leadership and stability to the defense. After the World Cup, he played for Manchester City and Espanyol before retiring. Demichelis was known for his composure and tactical understanding of the game. His career included notable spells at Bayern Munich and Manchester City, where he won several titles. After retiring, he has transitioned into coaching, aiming to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of players.
  • Hugo Campagnaro: A reliable defender, Campagnaro was a valuable squad member. After the World Cup, he played in Italy for Inter Milan and Pescara before returning to Argentina. Campagnaro was known for his versatility and defensive solidity. His time in Italy saw him become a respected defender, known for his work ethic and commitment. He has had a long and respectable career, contributing his experience and defensive skills to various teams.
  • JosĂ© MarĂ­a Basanta: A dependable defender, Basanta provided cover in the squad. He played for Monterrey in Mexico after the World Cup and later returned to Argentina. Basanta was known for his consistency and reliability. His career in Mexico was particularly successful, where he became a key player for Monterrey. He is a respected figure in Argentinian football, known for his professionalism and dedication.

The Midfielders

  • Ángel Di MarĂ­a: A dynamic and skillful winger, Di MarĂ­a was a key player in Argentina's attack. After the World Cup, he played for Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus. Currently, he is showcasing his talents at Benfica. Di MarĂ­a is known for his pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability. His career has been filled with success at various top clubs, and he remains a vital player for both club and country. His contributions to Paris Saint-Germain were particularly notable, where he won numerous titles. He is widely regarded as one of the best Argentinian players of his generation.
  • Lucas Biglia: A central midfielder, Biglia provided stability and composure in midfield. After the World Cup, he played for Lazio, AC Milan, and currently plays for Ä°stanbul BaƟakƟehir. Biglia is known for his passing range and tactical awareness. His career has been marked by consistent performances in various European leagues. He is a respected midfielder, known for his professionalism and dedication. His experience and leadership make him a valuable asset to his current team.
  • Javier Mascherano: A versatile player, Mascherano was a linchpin in Argentina's midfield and defense. After the World Cup, he played for Barcelona, Hebei China Fortune, and Estudiantes before retiring. Mascherano is known for his leadership, tackling ability, and tactical intelligence. His time at Barcelona was particularly successful, where he won numerous titles. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Argentinian players of all time. After retiring, he has transitioned into coaching, aiming to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of players.
  • Fernando Gago: A technically gifted midfielder, Gago's career was unfortunately plagued by injuries. After the World Cup, he continued to play for Boca Juniors before retiring. Gago was known for his passing range and vision. Despite his injury challenges, he remained a respected figure in Argentinian football. His early retirement was a loss to the sport, as he was considered one of the most talented midfielders of his generation.
  • Maxi RodrĂ­guez: An experienced midfielder, RodrĂ­guez provided creativity and versatility. After the World Cup, he returned to Newell's Old Boys in Argentina, where he retired. RodrĂ­guez was known for his goal-scoring ability and passion for the game. His return to Newell's Old Boys was a sentimental one, as he is a beloved figure at the club. He retired as a legend, leaving a lasting impact on Argentinian football.
  • Enzo PĂ©rez: A hardworking midfielder, PĂ©rez provided energy and determination. After the World Cup, he played for Valencia and River Plate, where he continues to be a key player. PĂ©rez is known for his tackling ability and work rate. His career has been marked by consistent performances and dedication. He remains a vital player for River Plate, contributing his experience and energy to the team.
  • Augusto FernĂĄndez: A versatile midfielder, FernĂĄndez provided cover and tactical flexibility. After the World Cup, he played for AtlĂ©tico Madrid, Celta Vigo, and Beijing Renhe before retiring. FernĂĄndez was known for his work ethic and versatility. His time at AtlĂ©tico Madrid was particularly notable, where he contributed to the team's success. He has had a respectable career, known for his professionalism and dedication.

The Forwards

  • Lionel Messi: The captain and talisman, Messi needs no introduction. After the World Cup, he continued his legendary career at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and now shines for Inter Miami. Messi is widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time. His achievements and records are unparalleled, and he continues to inspire fans around the world. He finally led Argentina to Copa America and World Cup glory. He is the greatest.
  • Gonzalo HiguaĂ­n: A prolific striker, HiguaĂ­n had a successful club career after the World Cup, playing for Napoli, Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, and Inter Miami before retiring. HiguaĂ­n was known for his goal-scoring ability and link-up play. His career was filled with success at various top clubs, and he remained a feared striker throughout his career. Despite some criticism for his performances in crucial matches for Argentina, he had an amazing club career.
  • Sergio AgĂŒero: Another world-class striker, AgĂŒero continued his career at Manchester City, becoming their all-time leading goalscorer. He later moved to Barcelona before unfortunately having to retire due to a heart condition. AgĂŒero was known for his goal-scoring ability and clinical finishing. His time at Manchester City was particularly successful, where he won numerous titles and became a club legend. His early retirement was a loss to the sport, as he was considered one of the best strikers of his generation.
  • Rodrigo Palacio: A versatile forward, Palacio provided creativity and experience. After the World Cup, he played for Inter Milan and Bologna before returning to Argentina. Palacio was known for his dribbling ability and work rate. He had a respectable career, known for his professionalism and dedication.
  • Ezequiel Lavezzi: A dynamic forward, Lavezzi provided energy and flair. After the World Cup, he played for Paris Saint-Germain and Hebei China Fortune before retiring. Lavezzi was known for his pace, dribbling, and work rate. He had a successful career, known for his contributions on and off the field. He was a fan favorite wherever he played.

The 2014 Argentina squad was a special group of players who came agonizingly close to World Cup glory. While their paths have diverged since that tournament, their legacy remains intact. They will always be remembered for their passion, determination, and the unforgettable memories they created. It's fascinating to see where these legends are now, continuing to shape the world of football in various ways!