How many times have Argentina won the World Cup? Lionel Messi and co look to follow in the footsteps of legends to win the first title in 36 years

Argentina are one of the favorites to win the World Cup this winter and they have impressed Qatar so far.

After a surprise loss to Saudi Arabia, the Albiceleste recovered, winning every game since and securing a quarter-final with the Netherlands.

Lionel Messi has never won the World Cup in his career and his team are doing everything they can to ensure they lift the trophy next weekend.

If they triumph, it will be the first time they have won the competition in 36 years.

How many times have Argentina won the World Cup?

Argentina have won the World Cup twice.

They won their first World Cup title in 1978, lifting the trophy in their home tournament after beating the Netherlands in Buenos Aires.

The Albiceleste lost 3-1 after extra time following a brace from legendary striker Mario Kempes.

This tournament featured two group stages, with Argentina finishing second in the first round before winning the next group, finishing ahead of Brazil.

In the final, Kempes scored the opener in the first half before the draw was extended thanks to a late equalizer from the Netherlands.

The striker then scored again to seal his first title in his own country.

The second title came eight years later in 1986 and it was a tournament dominated by Diego Maradona.

He would score just one goal in the group stage before one of his most iconic moments followed against England in the quarter-finals.

The infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal was part of his brace that sent La Albiceleste to face Belgium.

Another brace from Maradona secured a 2-0 victory against the Red Devis, then Argentina beat West Germany in the final to claim their second world title.

In Qatar this winter, they are looking for their third World Cup victory as Messi aims to follow in his predecessor’s footsteps.