Top 10 Greatest Argentine Players in Football History

Argentina is a football powerhouse that has given the world some of its most extraordinary talents. From mesmerizing dribblers to lethal goal scorers, these players have not only donned the blue and white jersey but have also left a lasting legacy on the game. Join us as we celebrate the top 10 greatest Argentine players, each with their unique stories and unforgettable moments that define the spirit of football.

10. Javier Mascherano

Career Span: 2003–2020

Javier Mascherano is now the head coach of the Argentina Under-20 team. He had a remarkable career, starting from the famous River Plate academy. He became well-known in the Premier League, first with West Ham United and then with Liverpool. Mascherano played a crucial role in Liverpool’s 2007 Champions League Final run, earning Man of the Match honors from fans.

He later joined Barcelona and transformed into a strong central defender. Over his 15-year international career, Mascherano earned 147 caps and captained the team from 2008 to 2011, playing a key role in reaching the 2014 World Cup final.

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9. Javier Zanetti

Career Span: 1992–2014

Javier Zanetti is a unique figure in football. Although born in Buenos Aires, he spent 19 years with Inter Milan, where he made 858 appearances — the most for a foreign player in Serie A. Zanetti captained Inter from 2001 until his retirement in 2014 and now serves as the club’s vice-president.

He holds the record for the most Champions League matches played as captain. In his international career, Zanetti earned 144 caps for Argentina between 1994 and 2011, but he did not win any silverware on the international stage.

8. Omar Sivori

Career Span: 1954–1969

Omar Sivori may not be well-known today, but he embodied the charm of Argentinian football. Standing at just 5’4″, he was known for his speed and skill. After rising to fame at the 1957 South American Championships, he transferred to Juventus for a then-record fee of £91,000.

Sivori led Juventus to a league title and won the Serie A Golden Boot in 1960 and the Ballon d’Or in 1961. His international career included 19 caps for Argentina, where he scored 9 goals.

7. Ángel Di María

Career Span: 2005 — Present

Ángel Di María is one of the most underrated players of his time, with a career lasting 19 years. He started at Rosario Central and moved to Benfica in 2007. Di María had a standout time at Real Madrid, winning several trophies, including being named Man of the Match in the Champions League Final.

After a brief period at Manchester United, he found success at Paris Saint-Germain, where he won multiple league titles. He also made significant contributions to Argentina, scoring in the 2021 Copa America Final and playing a crucial role in the 2022 World Cup Final.

6. Daniel Passarella

Career Span: 1971–1989

Daniel Passarella had a huge impact on Argentinian football. He captained Argentina to its first World Cup win in 1978 and won again in 1986. Known as “El Gran Capitán,” he played mostly for River Plate and later for Fiorentina and Inter Milan.

Despite being shorter than most defenders, he excelled in the air and was known for his free-kick skills. At his retirement, Passarella had scored 175 career goals, a record for a defender.

5. Juan Román Riquelme

Career Span: 2003–2020

Juan Román Riquelme is considered one of Argentina’s most talented players. He spent most of his career at Boca Juniors, making 290 appearances and scoring 76 goals. He also played at Villarreal, where he helped the team achieve significant success.

Riquelme was named Argentine Player of the Year four times and led Argentina to Olympic Gold in 2008. He is known for his creativity and vision on the pitch.

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4. Gabriel Batistuta

Career Span: 1988–2004

Gabriel Batistuta was Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer until 2016. Known for his goal-scoring ability, he spent most of his career at Fiorentina, where he became the club’s all-time record scorer.

He won the Copa America twice and was the tournament’s Golden Boot winner. Batistuta is remembered for his loyalty to Fiorentina and his impact on the national team.

3. Mario Kempes

Career Span: 1970–1996

Mario Kempes was the star of Argentina’s 1978 World Cup win. Nicknamed “El Matador,” he won the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball in the same tournament, marking a historic achievement.

Kempes had a successful club career, mainly at Valencia, where he was the top scorer in La Liga. He is remembered for his significant contributions to Argentina’s national team.

2. Diego Maradona

Career Span: 1976–1997

Diego Maradona is considered one of the greatest players ever. Known as “El Pibe de Oro” (The Golden Boy), he was a talented player who carried Argentina’s hopes from a young age.

He shone at the 1986 World Cup, leading Argentina to victory and winning the Golden Ball for best player. His famous “Hand of God” goal and stunning solo effort against England are part of football history.

1. Lionel Messi

Career Span: 2004 — Present

Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest footballer of all time. Known for his incredible dribbling, vision, and scoring ability, he has broken numerous records and won countless awards, including seven Ballon d’Or titles.

Messi has been a key player for both Barcelona and the Argentina national team. He won the World Cup in 2022 and has led Argentina to multiple Copa America titles. His impact on football is unparalleled, inspiring millions worldwide.

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