Argentina and youth football. It's basically a love affair that never ends, isn't it? If you follow the Albiceleste, you know the stakes are always sky-high. Fans don't just want wins; they want the next Messi or the next Di María to reveal themselves on the pitch. The 2025 cycle was a wild ride that saw coaching changes, a historic demolition of Brazil, and a heartbreaking World Cup final in Chile that nobody saw coming.
Honestly, the argentina national under-20 football team games over the last year have been a masterclass in why South American football is so addictive. You have these kids playing with the weight of a nation on their shoulders, and for the most part, they handled it like veterans. But it wasn't all sunshine and trophies.
The Mascherano Departure and the Placente Era
Most people forget how 2025 actually started. Javier Mascherano was still the man in charge, but the rumors were swirling. By the time he took the job at Inter Miami to reunite with Messi, the U-20 squad needed a fresh voice. Enter Diego Placente. He wasn't a stranger; he’d been deep in the youth system and won the U-20 World Cup himself back in '97.
Placente brought a sort of calm intensity. He inherited a squad bursting with talent, specifically guys like Gianluca Prestianni and the explosive Ian Subiabre.
The transition wasn't just about a name on a tactical board. It changed the vibe. Under Mascherano, the team felt a bit rigid at times, maybe even over-coached. Placente seemed to give the kids more "potrero"—that street-style freedom that Argentina is famous for. You could see it immediately when the South American Championship kicked off in Venezuela.
That 6-0 Against Brazil: A Fever Dream
If you missed the opening of the 2025 South American U-20 Championship, you missed arguably the most shocking result in the history of the "Clásico de las Américas" at this level. Argentina didn't just beat Brazil; they dismantled them.
6-0.
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Read that again.
It was Jan 24, 2025. Brazil looked like they were running in sand while the Argentines were playing at 2x speed. While Brazil eventually recovered to win the tournament title, that single game sent a message. It wasn't just about the score; it was about the dominance. Argentina dominated the ball, winning the physical battles and showing a clinical edge that had been missing in previous years.
Key Results from the 2025 South American Championship:
- Argentina 6-0 Brazil: The blowout heard 'round the world.
- Argentina 1-1 Colombia: A gritty draw that showed the team's defensive resilience.
- Argentina 3-4 Uruguay: A chaotic, high-scoring loss that exposed some backline jitters.
- Argentina 1-0 Colombia (Final Stage): The win that officially punched their ticket to the World Cup.
The tournament ended with Argentina as runners-up. Brazil took the trophy home (their 13th title), but the Albiceleste had done enough. They were heading to Chile for the big show.
The 2025 World Cup Run in Chile
When the FIFA U-20 World Cup rolled around in September 2025, the hype was unreal. Argentina is the record holder with six titles, and everyone expected number seven.
The group stage was a breeze. They handled Cuba (3-1) and Australia (4-1) with relative ease. Then came Italy. That was the real test. Italy is always a tactical nightmare, but Argentina squeezed out a 1-0 win. It felt like the team was peaking at exactly the right time.
Then the knockouts started.
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Watching the argentina national under-20 football team games during the elimination rounds was stressful for any fan. They crushed Nigeria 4-0 in the Round of 16—a statement win against a perennial youth powerhouse. They followed that up by silencing the host continent's rivals, Mexico, with a 2-0 win in the quarters.
The semi-final against Colombia was a repeat of their continental struggles. It was tight, nervous, and physical. But a single goal was enough to send them to the final.
The Final That Broke Hearts
The final against Morocco in Santiago was supposed to be the crowning moment. Morocco had been the Cinderella story of the tournament, but surely Argentina would have too much quality?
Football is cruel.
Morocco’s Yassir Zabiri scored twice, and Argentina just couldn't find an answer. They had the possession, they had the shots, but the ball wouldn't go in. It ended 0-2. Morocco made history with their first-ever U-20 title, and Argentina was left wondering what went wrong.
Was it fatigue? Maybe. Was it the pressure? Possibly. But credit where it's due: Morocco played a perfect game.
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Who are these kids, anyway?
You've gotta look at the individuals to understand why this team is so special.
Gianluca Prestianni is the name on everyone’s lips. He’s got that low center of gravity that makes him nearly impossible to dispossess. He plays with a maturity that belies his age.
Then there's Ian Subiabre. He's the one who scored the crucial goal against Colombia to qualify for the World Cup. He’s a left-footed winger who just loves to take people on.
We also saw the rise of Maher Carrizo and Alejo Sarco. Sarco, in particular, was a beast during the World Cup, bagging four goals. And we can't ignore Federico Redondo. Yes, the son of the legendary Fernando Redondo. He’s got that same elegant stride and vision. It’s almost eerie how much he looks like his dad on the ball.
What’s Next for the U-20s?
So, where do we go from here? 2026 is going to be a bit of a transition year. The "Class of 2005" will start moving up to the U-23s or even getting look-ins for the senior team. Lionel Scaloni is famous for keeping an eye on these kids, so don't be surprised if you see Prestianni or Redondo in a senior squad list sooner rather than later.
The scouting never stops. The next crop of talent is already being integrated into friendlies and training camps at Ezeiza.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, here are the actionable steps to follow this team properly:
- Watch the AFA official YouTube channel: They often livestream friendlies that aren't picked up by major networks.
- Follow the "Velez Sarsfield" and "River Plate" youth scores: These two clubs currently provide the backbone of the national youth setup.
- Track the "Euro-Pibes": Keep an eye on players with dual nationality playing in Europe who might opt for Argentina, as this has become a major part of their recruitment strategy lately.
The 2025 season might have ended in a silver medal, but the conveyor belt of talent in Argentina isn't slowing down. Not even a little bit.