15 best Argentina football players from Maradona to Messi
Argentina has offered the world some of the greatest football icons in history. From Diego Maradona’s magic to Lionel Messi’s record-breaking career, Argentina football players have consistently dominated global football. Legends such as Gabriel Batistuta, Juan Román Riquelme, and Javier Zanetti have also left unforgettable marks on the sport.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Diego Maradona won the 1986 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, delivering one of the greatest individual performances in football history.
- Lionel Messi is Argentina’s all-time top scorer with over 100 international goals and has won the FIFA World Cup (2022) and seven Ballon d’Or awards.
- Daniel Passarella remains the only Argentine player to lift the World Cup both as captain (1978) and later as a coach (1986 squad contribution).
Legendary Argentina football players who shaped the game
When selecting the greatest Argentine players featured in this list, various factors were considered, such as goals scored, titles won, international impact, and overall influence on the sport. The information presented has been obtained from credible sports sources, including Sports Illustrated, Give Me Sport, and Four Four Two. While comprehensive, the list may not cover every remarkable Argentine footballer.
| Football player | Place of birth |
| Diego Maradona | Lanús, Argentina |
| Lionel Messi | Rosario, Argentina |
| Gabriel Batistuta | Avellaneda, Argentina |
| Daniel Passarella | Chacabuco, Argentina |
| Javier Zanetti | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Juan Román Riquelme | San Fernando, Argentina |
| Mario Kempes | Bell Ville, Argentina |
| Sergio Agüero | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Ángel Di María | Rosario, Argentina |
| Alfredo Di Stéfano | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Hernán Crespo | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Carlos Tévez | Ciudadela, Argentina |
| Oscar Ruggeri | Corral de Bustos, Argentina |
| Claudio Caniggia | Henderson, Argentina |
| Ubaldo Fillol | San Miguel del Monte, Argentina |
1. Diego Maradona
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- Full name: Diego Armando Maradona
- Date of birth: 30 October 1960
- Place of birth: Lanús, Argentina
- Football clubs: Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, Newell’s Old Boys
Diego Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever. He led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, famously scoring the Hand of God goal and the Goal of the Century against England. His dribbling, vision, and leadership made him an eternal icon of Argentine football.
2. Lionel Messi
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- Full name: Lionel Andrés Messi
- Date of birth: 24 June 1987
- Place of birth: Rosario, Argentina
- Football clubs: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Inter Miami
Lionel Messi is Argentina’s all-time top scorer and arguably the best player in football history. He has won seven Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League titles with Barcelona, and finally crowned his international career with the 2022 World Cup. His unmatched consistency and records place him at the pinnacle of Argentine football players.
3. Gabriel Batistuta
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- Full name: Gabriel Omar Batistuta
- Date of birth: 1 February 1969
- Place of birth: Avellaneda, Argentina
- Football clubs: Newell’s Old Boys, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Fiorentina, Roma, Inter Milan, Al-Arabi (Qatar)
Nicknamed Batigol, Gabriel Batistuta was known for his powerful finishing and precision. He scored 54 goals for Argentina, holding the record as the country’s top scorer until Messi surpassed him. At Fiorentina and Roma, he became a Serie A legend, remembered as one of the deadliest strikers of the 1990s.
4. Daniel Passarella
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- Full name: Daniel Alberto Passarella
- Date of birth: 25 May 1953
- Place of birth: Chacabuco, Argentina
- Football clubs: Sarmiento, River Plate, Fiorentina, Inter Milan
Daniel Passarella captained Argentina to winning several football awards, including their first-ever World Cup win in 1978. A commanding defender, he was known for his aerial ability and leadership. Passarella also contributed as part of the 1986 squad, making him one of the few Argentine legends with two World Cup triumphs.
5. Javier Zanetti
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- Full name: Javier Adelmar Zanetti
- Date of birth: 10 August 1973
- Place of birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Football clubs: Talleres, Banfield, Inter Milan
Javier Zanetti was a symbol of consistency and professionalism, playing most of his career at Inter Milan. With 145 international caps, he is one of Argentina’s most-capped players. His leadership, defensive skills, and versatility made him a cornerstone of the national team for over a decade.
6. Juan Román Riquelme
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- Full name: Juan Román Riquelme
- Date of birth: 24 June 1978
- Place of birth: San Fernando, Argentina
- Football clubs: Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Villarreal
Riquelme was Argentina’s midfield maestro, known for his vision, passing, and composure. He starred for Boca Juniors and Villarreal, winning multiple Copa Libertadores titles. With Argentina, he played a crucial role in Copa América campaigns, cementing his status as one of the greatest playmakers.
7. Mario Kempes
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- Full name: Mario Alberto Kempes
- Date of birth: 15 July 1954
- Place of birth: Bell Ville, Argentina
- Football clubs: Instituto, Rosario Central, Valencia, River Plate, Hércules, First Vienna, St. Pölten, Pelita Jaya, Fernández Vial
Mario Kempes was the hero of the 1978 World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. His decisive goals in the final against the Netherlands gave Argentina their first World Cup title. Kempes enjoyed a prolific club career with Valencia in Spain, becoming a fan favourite.
8. Sergio Agüero
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- Full name: Sergio Leonel Agüero del Castillo
- Date of birth: 2 June 1988
- Place of birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Football clubs: Independiente, Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, Barcelona
Sergio “Kun” Agüero was one of the Premier League’s most lethal strikers with Manchester City. He scored 41 goals for Argentina and won multiple Copa América medals. Known for his clinical finishing and link-up play with Messi, Agüero remains one of Argentina’s most important forwards.
9. Ángel Di María
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- Full name: Ángel Fabián Di María
- Date of birth: 14 February 1988
- Place of birth: Rosario, Argentina
- Football clubs: Rosario Central, Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Juventus
Ángel Di María has been one of Argentina’s most reliable players for over a decade. He scored the winning goal in the 2021 Copa América final and was also decisive in the 2022 World Cup final. His pace, creativity, and versatility across the front line made him indispensable.
10. Alfredo Di Stéfano
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- Full name: Alfredo Stéfano Di Stéfano Laulhé
- Date of birth: 4 July 1926
- Place of birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Football clubs: River Plate, Huracán, Millonarios, Real Madrid, Espanyol
Although Di Stéfano spent most of his international career with Spain, his Argentine roots remain significant. At Real Madrid, he won five consecutive European Cups and became one of the greatest players of the 20th century. His legacy as a trailblazer for Argentine talent is undeniable.
11. Hernán Crespo
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- Full name: Hernán Jorge Crespo
- Date of birth: 5 July 1975
- Place of birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Football clubs: River Plate, Parma, Lazio, Inter Milan, Chelsea, AC Milan, Genoa
Hernán Crespo was a prolific striker, known for his aerial dominance and clinical finishing. He scored 35 goals for Argentina across three World Cups. At club level, Crespo starred for Parma, Lazio, and Chelsea, becoming one of the most consistent forwards of his generation.
12. Carlos Tévez
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- Full name: Carlos Alberto Tévez
- Date of birth: 5 February 1984
- Place of birth: Ciudadela, Argentina
- Football clubs: Boca Juniors, Corinthians, West Ham United, Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus, Shanghai Shenhua
Carlos Tévez was admired for his relentless energy, strength, and goal-scoring ability. He played for top clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, and Juventus, winning league titles in England and Italy. With Argentina, he contributed to multiple Copa América and World Cup campaigns.
13. Oscar Ruggeri
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- Full name: Oscar Alfredo Ruggeri
- Date of birth: 26 January 1962
- Place of birth: Corral de Bustos, Argentina
- Football clubs: Boca Juniors, River Plate, Logroñés, Real Madrid, Ancona, San Lorenzo, América de Cali
Oscar Ruggeri was a tough and commanding central defender who helped Argentina win the 1986 World Cup. He earned over 90 caps for his country, playing in three World Cups. The football player also enjoyed success in club football with Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Real Madrid.
14. Claudio Caniggia
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- Full name: Claudio Paul Caniggia
- Date of birth: 9 January 1967
- Place of birth: Henderson, Argentina
- Football clubs: River Plate, Hellas Verona, Atalanta, Roma, Benfica, Boca Juniors, Dundee, Rangers, Qatar SC
Known for his lightning pace, Claudio Caniggia was one of Argentina’s most exciting forwards. He scored memorable goals at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, including the winner against Brazil in 1990. His partnership with Maradona remains one of Argentina’s most famous attacking duos.
15. Ubaldo Fillol
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- Full name: Ubaldo Matildo Fillol
- Date of birth: 21 July 1950
- Place of birth: San Miguel del Monte, Argentina
- Football clubs: Quilmes, Racing Club, River Plate, Argentinos Juniors, Flamengo, Atlético Madrid, Vélez Sarsfield
Ubaldo Fillol is considered one of Argentina’s greatest goalkeepers. He was instrumental in Argentina’s 1978 World Cup victory, making crucial saves in the final. With his quick reflexes and commanding presence, Fillol set the standard for future Argentine goalkeepers.
Which famous soccer player plays for Argentina?
The most famous soccer player currently playing for Argentina is Lionel Messi. Other players who enjoy worldwide prominence include Ángel Di María, Lautaro Martínez, and Emiliano Martínez.
Who is Argentina's top goal scorer?
Lionel Messi is Argentina’s all-time top goal scorer. As of this writing, he has 112 international goals, surpassing Gabriel Batistuta and Sergio Agüero.
Who are the best Argentine football players of all time?
Some of its unmatched talents include Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Gabriel Batistuta, Mario Kempes, Daniel Passarella, Javier Zanetti, Juan Román Riquelme, and Alfredo Di Stéfano.
The legacy of Argentina football players stretches across generations, uniting fans through unforgettable moments and historic triumphs. From Maradona’s genius in 1986 to Messi’s long-awaited World Cup glory in 2022, these icons have proven Argentina’s unmatched influence on the global stage.
Legit.ng recently published a list of football players with the most assists. While goal scorers often receive the spotlight, the role of assist creators is just as crucial in the game.
From iconic stars like Lionel Messi to Ferenc Puskás, these playmakers have built their legacies by both creating and scoring countless goals. This article explores some of the greatest assist makers to ever grace the beautiful game.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
