Argentine Football Faces Club-Level Crisis Despite National Team Success
Despite recent triumphs on the international stage, Argentine football is grappling with a growing disparity between its national team’s success and the performance of its club sides. The struggles of giants River Plate and Boca Juniors at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup have laid bare a systemic decline, fueled by economic hardship and a widening gap in professionalization compared to their Brazilian counterparts.
National Pride vs. Club Struggles
Argentina currently enjoys a golden era in international football. The national team secured victory in the 2022 World Cup and the Finalissima in the same year, adding to their Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. This sustained success has cemented their reputation as the dominant force in South American football. However, this success hasn’t translated to the club level.
The 2025 Club World Cup served as a stark reminder of this imbalance. River Plate and Boca Juniors participated not as continental champions – a title consistently claimed by Brazilian clubs for the past six seasons – but through their ranking points within the Conmebol system. This reliance on ranking points underscores a broader trend: the increasing dominance of Brazilian clubs in South American competitions.
Disappointing Performance in the 2025 Club World Cup
The tournament in the United States saw a surprising advancement of four Brazilian teams – Palmeiras, Flamengo, Botafogo, and Fluminense – to the round of 16. In contrast, River Plate and Boca Juniors were swiftly eliminated. Despite the early exits, the presence of the Argentine clubs generated significant excitement among fans.
“Their fans were amazing,” one observer noted, highlighting the passionate support that followed both teams. Over 30,000 River Plate supporters traveled over 10,000 kilometers to cheer their team on in a 0-0 draw against Monterrey in Pasadena’s Rose Bowl. However, the on-field performance failed to match the fervor in the stands. River Plate managed only a 1-1 draw against amateur side Auckland City, signaling a deeper malaise.
A Pattern of Disciplinary Issues and Tactical Shortcomings
The struggles extended beyond mere results. River Plate’s matches were marred by a concerning number of red cards and a perceived lack of discipline. Statistics reveal the team led the league with an average of 18 fouls per game, as well as the most yellow cards (9) and red cards (3). Boca Juniors were close behind, accumulating the second-highest number of red cards.
In their final match against Inter, River Plate players appeared more focused on accumulating cards than pursuing victory. Lucas Martinez received a 66th-minute red card, quickly followed by another dismissal for Gonzalo Moniel just two minutes into extra time. Following the game, Marcos Acuña was reportedly involved in a heated confrontation, chasing Denzel Dumfries into the locker room.
Economic Crisis and Professionalization Lag
The decline of Argentine clubs is deeply rooted in the nation’s ongoing fiscal crisis. Sluggish income streams have hampered clubs’ ability to attract and retain top talent, forcing them to sell promising players prematurely. This, coupled with a slower pace of professionalization compared to Brazil, has created a significant competitive disadvantage.
“Due to sluggish income, the clubs could not offer good contracts for recruitment, and had to sell new players early,” a source explained. While Argentine clubs historically dominated the Copa Libertadores – with Boca Juniors (6 titles) and River Plate (4 titles) boasting the most championships – Brazilian teams have won the last six seasons and are poised to surpass their Argentine rivals.
Looking Ahead: Copa Sudamericana and a Need for Change
To regain continental prominence, Argentine clubs must prioritize success in the Copa Sudamericana, often referred to as the “Europa League of South America.” The strong showing of Brazilian clubs like Palmeiras, Flamengo, Botafogo, and Fluminense in the 2025 Club World Cup demonstrates their growing competitiveness on the global stage.
Argentina has a considerable distance to travel to reach that level. The transfer of young prospect Franco Mastan Tuono from River Plate to Real Madrid underscores the challenges facing Argentine clubs in retaining their best players. The appointment of veteran director Miguel Angeluso as coach by Boca Juniors, and Marcelo Gayardo’s system at River Plate, represent attempts to address the issues, but a more fundamental shift is needed to revitalize Argentine club football. .
