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From Moore to Messi: A History of the Argentine National Football Team 1902-2026
The fascinating story of the Argentine national football team, and how it became a major symbol of national identity for the people of Argentina.
From Dr Mark Orton, author of the Lord Aberdare Prize-shortlisted Football and National Identity in Twentieth Century Argentina.
From its first international in 1902 with a side largely of British and Irish origin to the World Cup wins of 1978, 1986 and 2024, the book charts all the highs and lows of the Argentine national team.
Inside you will
The team’s British and Irish roots at the turn of the 1900s, and how it soon included Italian and other immigrants, helping to forge a new distinctive Criollo identity through footballNeglected topics such as how the team became a political tool under Juan Perón and various military dictatorships and the Argentine women’s team’s long struggle for recognitionThe mavericks who shone for Argentina in the pre-Maradona days, such as Harry Hayes, José Manuel Moreno and Oreste CorbattaThe national team’s lesser-known stories, including the player who died twice and the ‘ghost squad’ of unknowns abandoned for weeks in the AndesHow La Scaloneta was constructed to help Lionel Messi finally become a world champion and build a team that the Argentine people could fall in love with againFrom Moore to Messi is a must-read for anyone interested in South American football, the international game or sports books that tackle bigger themes.
From Dr Mark Orton, author of the Lord Aberdare Prize-shortlisted Football and National Identity in Twentieth Century Argentina.
From its first international in 1902 with a side largely of British and Irish origin to the World Cup wins of 1978, 1986 and 2024, the book charts all the highs and lows of the Argentine national team.
Inside you will
The team’s British and Irish roots at the turn of the 1900s, and how it soon included Italian and other immigrants, helping to forge a new distinctive Criollo identity through footballNeglected topics such as how the team became a political tool under Juan Perón and various military dictatorships and the Argentine women’s team’s long struggle for recognitionThe mavericks who shone for Argentina in the pre-Maradona days, such as Harry Hayes, José Manuel Moreno and Oreste CorbattaThe national team’s lesser-known stories, including the player who died twice and the ‘ghost squad’ of unknowns abandoned for weeks in the AndesHow La Scaloneta was constructed to help Lionel Messi finally become a world champion and build a team that the Argentine people could fall in love with againFrom Moore to Messi is a must-read for anyone interested in South American football, the international game or sports books that tackle bigger themes.
416 pages, Hardcover
Published July 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Title: From Messi to Moore
✍️Written by Mark Orton
Book Review: I didn't think a book about football history would captivate me the way it did, but I finished From Moore to Messi in just a few readings.
The way the book links Argentina's national team to the nation's broader identity—not just as a sports narrative but as something profoundly cultural and political—was what truly caught my attention. The early chapters about the team's Irish and British ancestry and how it progressively changed into a blend of immigrant influences creating a unique Criollo identity were far more fascinating than I had anticipated. I also liked that it didn't sugarcoat the awkward aspects, such as how football was used under various political regimes, such as Perón's time and later military regimes.
Another highlight was the sections on lesser-known players and their tales. Naturally, I was familiar with the big names like Maradona and Messi, but learning about pre-Maradona individuals like José Manuel Moreno and Oreste Corbatta gave me a deeper understanding. I was drawn in by the book's sense of unpredictability, which was enhanced by some of the more peculiar tales, such as the so-called "ghost squad" in the Andes.
If I had one small criticism, it would be that, particularly for readers who are primarily interested in football, the density of historical and political context occasionally slows the pacing. To be honest, though, it also makes the story richer.
I would highly recommend this if you enjoy South American football, sports history, or books that delve deeper than the field to examine politics and identity. Even casual football fans will find plenty to enjoy, but it's particularly satisfying if you already care about the Argentina team.
#FootballHistory #ArgentinaFootball #SportsBooks #BookReview
✍️Written by Mark Orton
Book Review: I didn't think a book about football history would captivate me the way it did, but I finished From Moore to Messi in just a few readings.
The way the book links Argentina's national team to the nation's broader identity—not just as a sports narrative but as something profoundly cultural and political—was what truly caught my attention. The early chapters about the team's Irish and British ancestry and how it progressively changed into a blend of immigrant influences creating a unique Criollo identity were far more fascinating than I had anticipated. I also liked that it didn't sugarcoat the awkward aspects, such as how football was used under various political regimes, such as Perón's time and later military regimes.
Another highlight was the sections on lesser-known players and their tales. Naturally, I was familiar with the big names like Maradona and Messi, but learning about pre-Maradona individuals like José Manuel Moreno and Oreste Corbatta gave me a deeper understanding. I was drawn in by the book's sense of unpredictability, which was enhanced by some of the more peculiar tales, such as the so-called "ghost squad" in the Andes.
If I had one small criticism, it would be that, particularly for readers who are primarily interested in football, the density of historical and political context occasionally slows the pacing. To be honest, though, it also makes the story richer.
I would highly recommend this if you enjoy South American football, sports history, or books that delve deeper than the field to examine politics and identity. Even casual football fans will find plenty to enjoy, but it's particularly satisfying if you already care about the Argentina team.
#FootballHistory #ArgentinaFootball #SportsBooks #BookReview
July 23, 2026
I just finished "From Moore to Messi" by Mark Orton, and as someone who enjoys learning the stories behind great sports teams, I found this book absolutely fascinating. ⚽📚 Rather than being just a history of football matches and trophies, it explores how the Argentine national team became deeply connected to the country's identity, culture, and history.
What impressed me most was how Mark Orton blends football with politics, immigration, and social change. I loved discovering stories I had never heard before, from Argentina's British and Irish football roots to the forgotten players who helped shape the national team long before the Maradona and Messi eras. The lesser known stories were some of my favorite parts because they made the book feel fresh and full of surprises. ✨
The chapters about Lionel Messi and the creation of La Scaloneta were especially rewarding. Knowing how much pressure Messi carried throughout his international career made the final World Cup triumph feel even more meaningful. The book captures not only the victories but also the heartbreak, setbacks, and resilience that made that success so emotional.
The writing is engaging, well researched, and easy to follow without ever feeling overwhelming. Even readers who are not experts on Argentine football can enjoy the historical context and memorable anecdotes.
If you love football history, sports biographies, or books that reveal how a team can represent an entire nation, I highly recommend "From Moore to Messi". It is insightful, entertaining, and gave me an even greater appreciation for Argentina's incredible football journey. 🇦🇷⚽❤️
What impressed me most was how Mark Orton blends football with politics, immigration, and social change. I loved discovering stories I had never heard before, from Argentina's British and Irish football roots to the forgotten players who helped shape the national team long before the Maradona and Messi eras. The lesser known stories were some of my favorite parts because they made the book feel fresh and full of surprises. ✨
The chapters about Lionel Messi and the creation of La Scaloneta were especially rewarding. Knowing how much pressure Messi carried throughout his international career made the final World Cup triumph feel even more meaningful. The book captures not only the victories but also the heartbreak, setbacks, and resilience that made that success so emotional.
The writing is engaging, well researched, and easy to follow without ever feeling overwhelming. Even readers who are not experts on Argentine football can enjoy the historical context and memorable anecdotes.
If you love football history, sports biographies, or books that reveal how a team can represent an entire nation, I highly recommend "From Moore to Messi". It is insightful, entertaining, and gave me an even greater appreciation for Argentina's incredible football journey. 🇦🇷⚽❤️
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews