Argentina
The Skinny: Arguably the hottest team over the last 3 years, Argentina has not lost a game in 35 games. And they've played Brazil, Italy, Germany, and a bunch of solid South American teams in that span. Unlike Brazil, England, or France, this team isn't talented from soup-to-nuts (okay, from keeper to striker). Instead, they have some great talent (Messi, Lauturo Martinez, Lisandro Martinez), some good talent (Di Maria, Julian Alvarez), and a bunch of role players. But everyone buys into their role. There is no infighting. Messi doesn't scream at his teammates like other "over the hump" superstars. Most elite teams are more talented than Argentina; few can outperform them when it matters.
Why They'll Win: Because Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez are as good for their clubs as they are for Argentina. With all the attention put on Messi, the "back up dancers" need to perform. And Martinez is a great second striker and Alvarez a great opportunistic "right place/right time" kinda guy. If Argentina wins, expect Messi to get 99% of the credit and the other 1% going to the other forwards/attacking midfielders.
Why They'll Lose: Their defense is suspect. Their back four is likely going to be Molina (Athletico Madrid), Lisandro Martinez (Man Utd), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica) and Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon). The only one who is borderline elite is Martinez, and he's only been playing in a top 5 league for 2 months. But, much like the midfield, the defense is much better on the pitch than on paper.
The Impact Player Who You Know: Lionel Messi. I've avoided putting a too obvious player here, but you really need to add Messi here. After his first down year last year, he's back to vintage Messi. In 13 games thus far (across Ligue 1 and CL), he has 7 goals and 8 assists. In June, he scored 5 goals against Estonia (the score has 5-0). He is the heart, soul, and talent of this Argentina team.
The Impact Player Who You May Not Know: Lisandro Martinez. For thus who think center backs need to be tall to be effective, let me introduce you to 5'9" Lisandro Martinez. An Ajax product, he is the backbone of the improved Man Utd defense this year. He is a pitbull who disrupts plays before they happen. He plays like an angry Italian defender who doesn't care about your feelings nor your wellbeing. It wouldn't surprise me if he gets a red card in the first 10 minutes of the first game. I love watching him play.
FDD Watchability Meter: 7/10. +7 for Messi. Okay, and more realistically, they have a team that punches above their weight with key players at key positions and role players who clearly understand their role. But for watchability, this team is all about Messi's last dance (he's 35; a 38-year old Messi isn't going to be pretty at the next World Cup)
FDD Likability Meter: 2/10. Messi is wonderful, but I'm not a fan of Di Maria, Otamendi, or Tagliafico. And Argentina's history of unlikable players like Ortega, Maradona, and Simeone leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
NCAA Comp: Michigan State. They have won a couple of titles, but their style is ugly and no one really likes them outside of their home state. I mean, Big 10 basketball is kinda like South America...
Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things. - Winston Churchill
President of the "Nolan Smith Should Have His Jersey in The Rafters" Club