Argentina's world cup coincides strong inflation.

Argentina's annual inflation is expected to surpass 99% this month and top three figures soon, Bloomberg reported.

Inflation averaged 116% in 1986, when Diego Maradona led Argentina to the victory. According to central bank figures and surveys, Argentina's rate in 1978 was 176%.

Lionel Messi, born a year after Maradona's 1986 title, will make his last World Cup appearance against France. Inspired by their hero, the team's run to the last match—from averting early elimination to earning five straight wins—has thrilled a nation facing rough economic times.

This country's steady economy isn't a predictor of World Cup success. Hyperinflation of 2,000% caused the team to lose the 1990 final. When it lost the 2014 final, the official rate was 22%, although data manipulation was suspected.