Tapia hails current Argentina side as country's greatest ever

Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia has described the current national team as the greatest in the country's history, saying their record of reaching five finals and winning four sets them apart from every previous generation.

Speaking at the AFA Sponsor Day event at the Lionel Messi training complex in Ezeiza, Tapia also reflected on Argentina's World Cup campaign, claiming the Albiceleste had effectively won the tournament when they defeated England.

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"The World Cup was won when we beat England. This national team did something that hadn't happened in a long time. Beyond the sporting aspect, vindicating the soldiers and veterans of the Malvinas.

"At this World Cup, they managed to put the Malvinas back on the global diplomatic agenda.

"Beyond that epic nature, beyond the fact that the national team played with heart and that we played three matches for a full 120 minutes, I know that for Argentines, the World Cup was won when we beat England," Tapia said.

Praising the team's achievements over the past few years, Tapia added: "Playing five finals and winning four... I believe this is the best Argentina national team we have ever had. We are incredibly proud of these players for carrying our flag to the highest level."