Argentina's squad is worth $920million more than Australia's

There's no denying that little old Australia has a colossal task at hand when they take on Argentina for a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar.

Lead by a 5-foot-7-inch magician by the name of Lionel Messi, the Argentinians are one of the favourites to lift the World Cup.

For Messi, adding that iconic golden trophy to his already-large awards cabinet will undoubtedly make him the greatest footballer to ever walk the face of the earth.

But for the entire nation, whose last World Cup triumph coming way back in 1986 - when a very similar 5-foot-5-inch magician dragged the team kicking and screaming to a famous victory - the die-hard Argentinian fans are crying out for more silverware.

It wouldn't be outlandish to suggest most neutrals are praying for a miraculous Socceroos victory, though.

That said, it's a tough ask and the magnitude of that test becomes even more apparent when you take a glance at the overall squad values of the two teams.

Alamy

According to Wide World of Sports, Argentina's squad value dwarfs Australia's by almost AU$1 billion – $919.3 million, to be exact.

In fact, several of Argentina's $978.6 million worth of star talent are worth more than the 26 Socceroos players combined.

While Messi is hands-down the team's talismanic figure, it turns out he's actually not the player with the highest market value.

Alamy

That accolade belongs to Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez, who is valued at around $116 million, per WWOS.

As for Messi himself, he's still worth a whopping $76.5 million – even at 35 years of age.

Meanwhile, the Socceroos' entire squad is valued at $59.3 million with midfielder Aaron Mooy being the most expensive at $6.2 million.

But with all that being said, whether Australia win or lose to Argentina, they've certainly done the nation proud.

“I truly believe that the Socceroos are the team that unites the country” Graham Arnold said.

“If the cricket team get to the final of the World Cup you don’t get scenes like tonight. You don’t see the squares like they are tonight, and not with the rugby union or rugby league either. I’m just so proud and happy. This is what World Cups are for.”

Topics: Australia, Argentina, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Transfers, Football, Football World Cup

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry