Argentina 2014 World Cup Squad: Where Are They Now?

Twelve years after falling to Germany in extra time at the Maracanã, Alejandro Sabella's Argentina 2014 World Cup squad has largely vanished from professional pitches. That silver-medal run defined an era of Argentine football, bridging the gap between the retirement of older legends and the emergence of a new generation that finally conquered the world in Qatar. While most of that 23-man roster has transitioned into management, punditry, or quiet retirement, a select few are still lacing up their boots.

Tracking down where these players landed reveals a fascinating snapshot of post-playing careers, ranging from elite dugout appointments to unexpected life paths.

The Goalkeepers: Guardians of 2014

• Sergio Romero: Argentina's undisputed number one in Brazil carved out a nomadic post-international career. After spells with Manchester United and Venezia, Romero returned home to play for Argentine giants Boca Juniors, anchoring their defense well into his twilight years.
• Mariano Andújar: The veteran backup spent the bulk of his later club career back in Argentina with Estudiantes, where he served as captain and a stabilizing locker-room presence before hanging up his gloves and moving into club administration.
• Agustín Orión: Boca Juniors' former shot-stopper rounded out his professional career with Racing Club and Colo-Colo in Chile before stepping away from the spotlight to focus on private business ventures.

The Defensive Line: Grit, Injury, and the Dugout

• Pablo Zabaleta: A warrior at right-back, Zabaleta finished his playing days at West Ham United in 2020. He has since transitioned into coaching, working as an assistant with the Albania national team and spending time in broadcast studios as a sharp tactical analyst.
• Martín Demichelis: The experienced center-back retired following a spell with Málaga. He successfully transitioned into elite management, taking charge of Bayern Munich's youth setup before returning to South America to manage River Plate.
• Ezequiel Garay: Chronic hip and back injuries forced Garay into an early retirement in 2021. The former Real Madrid and Benfica defender retreated from public view, choosing a quiet family life in Spain.
• Marcos Rojo: Known for his aggressive challenges and fierce competitive streak, Rojo returned to Argentina to play for Boca Juniors, where his fiery leadership style continued to make headlines.
• Federico Fernández: The towering central defender enjoyed a lengthy career in Europe with Swansea City and Newcastle United before wrapping up his playing days in Italy with Brescia.
• Hugo Campagnaro: Campagnaro quietly finished his journeyman career in the lower tiers of Italian football in 2020, settling down in Italy to pursue coaching qualifications.
• José María Basanta: After anchoring Monterrey's defense in Liga MX for years, Basanta returned to his boyhood club Estudiantes in Argentina for a final season before retiring.
• Ezequiel Muñoz: Though younger than many of his defensive colleagues, Muñoz dealt with various injuries later in his career, playing for several clubs across Argentina's top division.

Midfielders: From Box-to-Box Engines to Managers

• Javier Mascherano: The emotional heartbeat of the 2014 team retired after a stint with Estudiantes. Mascherano stepped straight into the coaching ranks, taking charge of Argentina's Under-20 national team and developing the next wave of national talent.
• Ángel Di María: Crucially injured for the 2014 final, Di María remained an essential pillar of the national team for a decade, finally getting his hands on the World Cup trophy in 2022 alongside Copa América titles. He spent his later club years playing at the highest levels in Europe before returning to boyhood roots.
• Lucas Biglia: The composed defensive midfielder played for AC Milan and Fatih Karagümrük in Turkey before hanging up his boots, immediately pursuing a career in tactical coaching.
• Enzo Pérez: A tireless runner in Brazil, Pérez enjoyed a legendary second wind back in Argentina with River Plate, where his leadership helped guide younger generations before moving to Estudiantes.
• Maxi Rodríguez: The veteran winger retired in 2021 at Newell's Old Boys, where a stadium grandstand was fittingly named in his honor. He now works in sporting administration.
• Fernando Gago: Plagued by severe Achilles injuries, Gago retired in 2020 and quickly transitioned to management, taking the helm at several Argentine Primera División clubs and Chivas in Mexico.
• Augusto Fernández: Following spells with Atlético Madrid and Celta Vigo, Fernández finished his career in Spain with Cádiz before pivoting to sports business management.
• Ricky Álvarez: The playmaker ended his career with Vélez Sarsfield in 2021, shifting his focus toward youth development and scouting roles.

The Forwards: Icons, Streamers, and Legends

• Lionel Messi: The undisputed talisman of the squad. While every other player from the 2014 outfield core eventually stepped away from international duty, Messi captained Argentina to glory in 2022 and continued playing club football in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, standing as the sole active survivor from that generation.
• Gonzalo Higuaín: After a prolific career in Europe and MLS with Inter Miami, Higuaín announced his emotional retirement from professional football. He transitioned into a mental coaching and player development role within the Inter Miami organization.
• Sergio Agüero: Forced into a premature retirement in 2021 due to a heart condition while playing for Barcelona, Agüero reinvented himself as a massively popular digital creator, streamer, and ambassador for the Argentine national team.
• Ezequiel Lavezzi: Known for his flair on the wing and vibrant personality, Lavezzi retired following a stint in China and has since focused on private investments, media appearances, and philanthropic work.
• Rodrigo Palacio: After a long and respected career in Serie A with Inter Milan and Genoa, Palacio retired from professional football and surprisingly turned his competitive fire toward professional basketball in Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many players from the 2014 squad won the 2022 World Cup?

Only Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María bridged the entire eight-year gap to start in both the 2014 and 2022 World Cup finals, finally securing the trophy in Qatar.

Who was the manager of Argentina in 2014?

Alejandro Sabella managed the team during their historic run to the 2014 World Cup final. Sabella passed away in December 2020 at the age of 66. Further journalism by Bloomberg explores comparable perspectives on this issue.

How many members of the 2014 squad became managers?

A remarkably high number of players from that roster, including Javier Mascherano, Martín Demichelis, Fernando Gago, and Lucas Biglia, transitioned directly into professional coaching or technical staff roles.

Where did Lionel Messi go after leaving European football?

After leaving Paris Saint-Germain, Messi signed with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he continues his illustrious playing career.