Argentina's 2014 World Cup Squad: Where Are They Now?
The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil was a rollercoaster of emotions for Argentina. Led by the legendary Lionel Messi, La Albiceleste reached the final, only to be heartbreakingly defeated by Germany in extra time. The squad was a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, all united by the dream of lifting the trophy. But what happened to these players after that fateful tournament? Let's take a look at the key members of Argentina's 2014 World Cup squad and see where their careers have taken them.
The Goalkeepers
Sergio Romero: Romero was Argentina's undisputed number one in 2014. His penalty-saving heroics in the semi-final against the Netherlands were crucial in getting Argentina to the final. After the World Cup, Romero continued to be a reliable presence for the national team. At club level, he served as a backup goalkeeper for Manchester United for several years, making occasional appearances. After leaving Manchester United, he had stints at Venezia and Boca Juniors. Guys, he is currently playing for Boca Juniors, showcasing his experience and shot-stopping abilities.
Mariano AndĂșjar: AndĂșjar was the backup goalkeeper in the 2014 squad. He didn't feature in any of the matches. After the World Cup, he continued his career in Italy, playing for Catania and Napoli. He then returned to Argentina, where he currently plays for Estudiantes. He provides valuable experience and leadership to the team.
AgustĂn Orion: Orion was the third-choice goalkeeper in the squad. Like AndĂșjar, he didn't get any playing time during the tournament. Following the World Cup, he continued playing for Boca Juniors before moving to Racing Club. He retired from professional football in 2019. Orion now works as a football pundit, sharing his insights and experiences with fans.
The Defenders
Pablo Zabaleta: Zabaleta was a mainstay in Argentina's defense for many years. He was known for his tireless work rate and commitment. After the 2014 World Cup, he continued playing for Manchester City before moving to West Ham United. He retired from professional football in 2020. He is now involved in various football-related projects, including coaching and media work.
Ezequiel Garay: Garay formed a solid partnership with Federico FernĂĄndez in the center of defense. After the World Cup, he played for Zenit Saint Petersburg and Valencia. He retired from professional football in 2020 due to persistent injuries. Garay is now focused on his family and various business ventures.
Federico FernĂĄndez: FernĂĄndez was a key member of Argentina's defense in 2014. After the World Cup, he played for Swansea City, Newcastle United, and Elche. He is known for his aerial ability and tackling skills. Guys, FernĂĄndez is currently playing for a club in Qatar.
Marcos Rojo: Rojo was a versatile defender who could play both centrally and as a left-back. After the World Cup, he joined Manchester United, where he had a mixed spell. He then returned to Argentina to play for Boca Juniors. Rojo is known for his passion and determination on the field.
JosĂ© MarĂa Basanta: Basanta was a reliable option in defense. He played for Monterrey in Mexico for many years. After the World Cup, he continued playing for Monterrey before returning to Argentina to play for Estudiantes. He retired from professional football in 2020.
Hugo Campagnaro: Campagnaro was an experienced defender who provided depth to the squad. After the World Cup, he played for Inter Milan and Pescara. He retired from professional football in 2020. Campagnaro is now involved in coaching, sharing his knowledge and experience with young players.
MartĂn Demichelis: Demichelis brought experience and leadership to the defense. After the World Cup, he played for Manchester City and Espanyol. He retired from professional football in 2017 and is now a coach.
The Midfielders
Javier Mascherano: Mascherano was the heart and soul of Argentina's midfield. He was known for his incredible work rate, tackling ability, and leadership qualities. After the World Cup, he continued playing for Barcelona before moving to Hebei China Fortune and Estudiantes. He retired from professional football in 2020 and is now a coach for Argentina's youth teams, helping to develop the next generation of talent.
Fernando Gago: Gago was a technically gifted midfielder who could dictate the tempo of the game. After the World Cup, he continued playing for Boca Juniors, but his career was plagued by injuries. He retired from professional football in 2020. Gago is now a coach, managing Racing Club and Chivas.
Ăngel Di MarĂa: Di MarĂa was a key player in Argentina's attack, known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score crucial goals. After the World Cup, he played for Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus. He is currently playing for Benfica, continuing to showcase his talent and experience. Di Maria remains a vital part of the Argentina national team, contributing to their success.
Lucas Biglia: Biglia was a reliable midfielder who provided stability and composure to the team. After the World Cup, he played for Lazio, AC Milan, and Fatih KaragĂŒmrĂŒk. He retired from professional football in 2023.
Enzo PĂ©rez: PĂ©rez was a versatile midfielder who could play in various positions. After the World Cup, he played for Valencia and River Plate. He continues to play for River Plate, showcasing his experience and versatility. PĂ©rez remains an important player for both his club and the national team.
Maxi RodrĂguez: RodrĂguez was an experienced midfielder who provided creativity and goal-scoring ability. After the World Cup, he played for Newell's Old Boys and Peñarol. He retired from professional football in 2021. RodrĂguez is now involved in various football-related activities, including coaching and media work.
Ricardo Ălvarez: Ălvarez was a talented midfielder who could unlock defenses with his dribbling and passing. After the World Cup, he played for Sunderland, Sampdoria, and VĂ©lez Sarsfield. He retired from professional football in 2021.
The Forwards
Lionel Messi: Messi, the captain and talisman of Argentina, was the star of the 2014 World Cup squad. Although Argentina didn't win the tournament, Messi's performances were outstanding, and he won the Golden Ball award for the best player of the tournament. After the World Cup, he continued to break records and win trophies with Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. He led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, finally achieving his dream of winning a major trophy with his country. Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Gonzalo HiguaĂn: HiguaĂn was Argentina's main striker in 2014. After the World Cup, he played for Napoli, Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, and Inter Miami. He retired from professional football in 2022. HiguaĂn had a successful club career, scoring many goals, but he was often criticized for his performances in important matches for Argentina. Guys, despite the criticism, HiguaĂn had a remarkable career and contributed significantly to his teams.
Sergio AgĂŒero: AgĂŒero was a prolific striker who provided a different dimension to Argentina's attack. After the World Cup, he continued to score goals for Manchester City, becoming their all-time leading scorer. He moved to Barcelona in 2021 but had to retire from professional football due to a heart condition. AgĂŒero is now involved in various media and gaming ventures, remaining a popular figure in the football world.
Ezequiel Lavezzi: Lavezzi was a dynamic forward who could create chances and score goals. After the World Cup, he played for Paris Saint-Germain and Hebei China Fortune. He retired from professional football in 2019. Lavezzi is now enjoying his retirement, traveling and spending time with his family.
Rodrigo Palacio: Palacio was an experienced forward who provided depth to the squad. After the World Cup, he played for Inter Milan and Bologna. He retired from professional football in 2022.
The 2014 Argentina World Cup squad was a talented group of players who came agonizingly close to winning the trophy. While they ultimately fell short, their journey was filled with memorable moments and individual brilliance. Many of these players have continued to have successful careers at club level, while others have transitioned into coaching or other roles in the football world. Regardless of where their careers have taken them, they will always be remembered for their efforts in representing Argentina at the 2014 World Cup.
Argentina's 2014 World Cup squad was a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents, all united by the dream of lifting the trophy. After the World Cup, most of the team members continued to play professional football, with some achieving great success at club level and others transitioning into coaching or media roles. Lionel Messi, the captain and talisman of the team, has continued to break records and win trophies, cementing his place as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Guys, the memories of their journey to the final in 2014 will always be cherished by Argentine football fans.
