Top 10 Argentina Best Football Players in the World (Currently Ranked)

Argentina has always produced world-class talents in the history of football. The glory of Lionel Messi magic, as well as the goalkeeping feats of Emiliano Martinez have been enough to remind the world of the strength of the nation in the field of football. They have all contributed so much at the club and international level, strengthening their positions as Argentina best football players.

Over the past couple of years, there has been an emergence of fresh talent, including Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez, which has added a new layer of strength to the Argentine squad. This is the list of the best football players of Argentina who are now ruling the game in 2025. Be it the learning experience of Angel di Maria or the new coming form of Alexis Mac Allister, every current best Argentinian football team player has been contributing significantly. So, as the question arises, which are the best Argentina football players who are currently in the news? Let’s look at the list below.

List of Best Football Players of Argentina

Argentina still remains a strong country on the world stage that marvels with the mix of big names and young muscles. The newest team features all the world-class players, starting with the legendary Lionel Messi and ending with the electric power of Enzo Fernandez and the keen senses of Lautaro Martinez. These are the top Argentina football players, not only are they important players in their national outfit, but they have also proven their worth for their respective clubs. This is a detailed analysis of the Argentina best football players according to their level of form and impact in 2025.

Rank	Player	Current Club	Appearances
10	Nicolás Otamendi	Benfica	112
9	Cristian Romero	Tottenham Hotspur	39
8	Alexis Mac Allister	Liverpool	40
7	Ángel Di María	Benfica	122
6	Rodrigo De Paul	Atlético Madrid	41
5	Julián Álvarez	Atlético Madrid	48
4	Lautaro Martínez	Inter Milan	55
3	Enzo Fernández	Chelsea	37
2	Emiliano Martínez	Aston Villa	45
1	Lionel Messi	Inter Miami	179

How we Ranked the Best Argentina Football Players in 2025?

In order to call for the most relevant and recent list of Argentina best football players we have judged the overall effects of each of the players on the different levels of the football game. These are the four most important criteria used to rank the Argentine football team best player:

• Club Football performances– Consistency, form and the impact of a player on the club level are essential signs. Goals, assists, clean sheets, passing accuracy, and amount of minutes played in top-leagues of domestic and international football were considered to determine how valuable they were to their clubs.

• Performance in International matches– Playing as a representative of Argentina on the international level is a huge source of pride. The contribution made to the national team was given a high rating by players who did well in the Copa America, World Cup qualifiers, and international friendly games. This is a top criteria to determine Argentina best football players.

• Impact in big games (Domestic + International)– Great players are characterized by big moments. Whether we are talking about a Champions League knockout, a Copa Libertadores final or a World Cup game, we gauged how frequently these players were there when it mattered, taking charge and playing calmer in a clutch situation.

• Trophies/Achievements (local and international)– Silverware is the unit of measure of success. Higher positions were assigned to players who played a major role in winning the league titles, international cups, or received individual awards: those achievements indicate the personal excellence or those of the whole team.

Who are Argentina Best Football Players Right Now?

In 2025, the Argentina best football players list will have such legends as Lionel Messi and core players as Emiliano Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, and Lautaro Martinez. These stars have always given it back to the club as well as the country, and that is why they are the most notable names in Argentine football today. They are some of the finest footballers of Argentina in recent times, owing to their shape, leadership capabilities, and performance in the big matches. Below is the rundown of the Argentina top 10 best football players, taking into consideration club and international performances, influence in big games, and trophies. The performances of each of the players at their given positioning, from attacking wizardry to defensive generals, have all been analyzed.

10. Nicolás Otamendi (37, Benfica)

In the 2024/25 season, Nicolas Otamendi, one of the best defenders of this generation, was a man of rock once again for Benfica. Nevertheless, he still had a large number of starts, with an average of 3.1 air duels, 4.2 clearance, and 2.3 interceptions per 90 despite being relatively older. His poise and skills of rousing the defensive line have enabled Benfica to maintain a very good defensive record. He has also led the team on a number of occasions, portraying his leadership and professionalism that can also be attributed to his seniority in the Argentina team.

The Argentine defender got the ball cleanly in the back and was the initiator of the possessions, performing long diagonal passes to the wings and disrupting the opponent’s pressure through vertical distribution. His positional sense and reading of attacking patterns had enabled him to place himself in an advantageous position and regularly neutralize threats before they became actual opportunities. Off the field, on the training ground, young defenders found Otamendi mediating the pitch and showing tactical norms to them. His stamina and strategic ability have seen him as one of the most trusted centre-backs of Portuguese football, even at the age of 37.

Position	Appearances	Aerial Duels Won (per 90)	Clearances (per 90)	Interceptions (per 90)	Trophies/Achievements
Defender	112	3.1	4.2	2.3	2022 World Cup Winner, Primeira Liga Winner, La Liga (with Valencia – 2015), Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (2023 – Benfica)Portuguese Cup (Benfica – 2024)

9. Cristian Romero (26, Tottenham Hotspur)

Cristian Romero enjoyed a dominant 2024/25 campaign for Premier League side Tottenham. He averaged 3.8 aerial duels won, 4.5 clearances, and 2.6 interceptions per 90, showcasing both physical dominance and game-reading abilities. He was a key figure in Tottenham’s improved defensive record and maintained leadership at the back. For Argentina, his aggressive yet clean tackling style continues to offer security.

His flair in playing the ball was also impressive; Romero passed the ball with over 88 per cent accuracy, with most of the passes being progressive ball-breaking passes, which started the Tottenham moves forward. He is even more comfortable picking the ball up in the back and is allowing Spurs to be tactically flexible. A reputed aggressive player, Romero elicited fewer wild attempts at challenges in the current season and was now better at picking and choosing the odds on his side in the defensive plays as well, which shows the player on the way to being an all-round modern centre-back, so to speak.

Position	Appearances	Aerial Duels Won (per 90)	Clearances (per 90)	Interceptions (per 90)	Trophies/Achievements
Defender	39	3.8	4.5	2.6	2022 World Cup Winner, UEFA Europa League 2024, Copa América (2021), Finalissima (2022), Copa del Rey (with Atalanta youth)

8. Alexis Mac Allister (26, Liverpool)

In 2024/25, Mac Allister became one of the most trusted midfielders of Liverpool. He was involved in 9 goals and assists altogether and was terrific in his progressive statistics as well, passing (7.4 passes per 90) and collecting (6.1 carries per 90) the ball very well. His ability to provide calm under pressure, perfect passing range, as well as play a deeper or advanced position, made him the key to Liverpool qualifying for the Champions League. His position versatility was most notable: sometimes working as an advanced playmaker at spots, and at others working deeper as part of a No. 6 in a two-man pivot. His off-the-ball acumen meant Liverpool could sustain some form of balance structurally, and his defensive effort, which averaged 2.3 tackles a game and 1.4 interceptions a game, further displayed why he is one of the best Argentine football players.

Position	Appearances	Goals + Assists	Progressive Passes (per 90)	Progressive Carries (per 90)	Trophies/Achievements
Midfielder	40	9	7.4	6.1	2022 World Cup Winner, Premier League 2024,EFL Cup (2023/24), Olympic Qualifier Champion with Argentina U23 (2020)

7. Ángel Di María (37, Benfica)

It was possibly his last season in Europe, and Di Maria turned the clock back and rightfully finds a place among the best football player from Argentina. In the national and European leagues, he scored 15 goals and provided 19 assists on behalf of Benfica. His left foot kept working magic in major competitions like Portuguese league derbies and Europa League knockouts. His presence on the field could not have been ignored, even though he was forced to play fewer minutes following the rotation. He is still one of the kings of Argentina at the age of 37, as reflected in his set-piece delivery and clutch games.

Besides attacking numbers, Di Maria and his leadership experience were of great assistance to the young team of Benfica. He frequently acted as a tactical alternative on the right side, and his intelligence to get defenders and leave space to be filled by an overlapping full-back. His combination with the midfielders and dropping between the lines provided Benfica with another dimension during the build-up play. Although he was not always in the spotlight when it comes to objectives, his impact on pace, space, and pass moves played an important role in determining the most crucial moments of games. When not playing, he assumed a mentor-like role to budding talents by ensuring they followed along and he has been able to maintain call-ups to the Argentine side, which outlines his stature and professionalism.

Position	Appearances	xG (per 90)	Goals	Assists	Trophies/Achievements
Forward	122	0.47	15	19	Copa América 2021 Winner, 2022 World Cup Winner,Olympic Gold Medal (2008)UEFA Champions League (2013/14 – Real Madrid), Ligue 1 (5x – PSG), Portuguese League Cup (Benfica – 2008/09), Super Cup (PSG and Benfica)

6. Rodrigo De Paul (30, Atlético Madrid)

Rodrigo De Paul of Atletico Madrid was all about work and drive, and pushing toward the front. He completed an average of 4.39 progressive passes and 5.2 carries per 90 playing as a box-to-box player, and is involved in 8 goals. Tactical discipline and recapturing of ball enabled him to dictate the tempo. In the case of Argentina he was a good partner of Messi, like him in the energy and work.

His confidence to run with the ball into crowded areas often broke opposition shape and created scoring lines for others. De Paul, undoubtedly one of the best football player from Argentina, also improved his defensive anticipation, as he was close to leading the list of La Liga midfielders with recovered balls and duels. He has been maturing and becoming tactically intelligent, and Argentina cannot find anyone who can take his place, not only due to his work rate, but also because he can mix the craft and substance in the midfield engine room.

Position	Appearances	Goals + Assists	Progressive Passes (per 90)	Progressive Carries (per 90)	Trophies/Achievements
Midfielder	34	8	4.39	5.2	2022 World Cup Winner, Copa América (2021), Finalissima (2022), Spanish Super Cup (2023)

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5. Julián Álvarez (25, Manchester City)

Julian Alvarez enjoyed a decent season in Manchester City with 19 goals and 12 assists across all competitions. Pep Guardiola could use his tactical flexibility with his ability to play as a forward or an attacking midfielder. Álvarez was in the mix since he had an xG of 0.51 per 90. He played a crucial role in the attacking play of City with his off-the-ball cognizance and was critical in domestic games where there had to be rotation. The intelligence of his play, adjustive eye-foot coordination, and tireless running made him an important facilitator to the treble chase of City and also a reliable player for Argentina at international levels. His maturity, discipline, and poise to excel in key Champions League battles were a sign of a possible future star and one of Argentine football team best player.

Position	Appearances	xG (per 90)	Goals	Assists	Trophies/Achievements
Forward	37	0.51	17	4	Premier League Winner, UCL Winner 2023, World Cup 2022, FA Cup (2022/23)Carabao Cup (2023/24), FIFA Club World Cup (2023), Copa Libertadores (2021 – with River Plate)

4. Lautaro Martínez (27, Inter Milan)

The Inter Milan skipper has grown to become one of the most lethal players on the European continent. Lautaro Martinez, famous for his aggression in pressing, quickness of decisions, and poaching instinct, has been delivering in the column in Serie A and Europe. Lautaro can score an important goal both off the bench and at the beginning of the game, and offers high levels of energy. In the case of Argentina, he has remained a leading figure on the frontline and has provided a fierce partnership with players like Messi and Alvarez. This season, the Inter Milan captain was deadly in front of the goal. With 26 goals and 9 assists in all of his competitions, Lautaro was one of the best players in Serie A and finished as the top scorer, leading Inter Milan to the championship.

His xG of 0.47 per 90, shows both quantity and quality of opportunities, with his pressing between the lines and movements further rewarding him with other values. He has fully transformed into being one of the best No.9s in the world.

Position	Appearances	xG (per 90)	Goals	Assists	Trophies/Achievements
Forward	31	0.47	26	9	Serie A Winner, 2022 World Cup Winner, Coppa Italia (2021/22, 2022/23)Supercoppa Italiana (3x)

3. Enzo Fernández (24, Chelsea)

Enzo Fernandez is currently one of the best midfielders in the world, and it did not take him long to become the anchor of the Chelsea line-up. He is also a complete midfielder capable of dictating the tempo, changing flanks with long passes, as well as playing a part defensively; something which is very hard to come by.
Contributing to the offence, Enzo is a technically precise and progressive meter teenager who regularly makes kilometers with a ball, opening opportunities. In the case of Argentina, he is a tactical player and has the ability to find a balance in the middle third, a feature that stabilizes the position of the national team at the base of his career.

Although the form of Chelsea was erratic, Enzo Fernandez made a breakthrough appearance in 2024/25. His performances as a deep-lying playmaker were characterized by outstanding progressive passing skills (above 83.7% average) and sensible carrying ability into advanced areas. His contribution was 7 goals+assists this season on top of good defensive work rate. Enzo was instrumental in dictating the pace in the midfield and also moved the team forward, which played a key role in helping him become one of the most rounded midfielders in Argentina this season.

Position	Appearances	Goals + Assists	Progressive Passes (per 90)	Progressive Carries (per 90)	Trophies/Achievements
Midfielder	36	7	83.7%	57.6%	2022 World Cup Winner, UEFA Conference League, Liga Profesional (2021), Recopa Sudamericana (2019), Trofeo de Campeones (2021), Copa Argentina (2019), Copa Sudamericana (2020), Recopa Sudamericana (2021)

2. Emiliano Martínez (32, Aston Villa)

During the 2024/25 season, Martinez played as a wall in goal at Aston Villa in the Premier League. He had 8 clean sheets and saved more than 143 shots in the Premier League, which kept the team in position to get a European spot, just missing out on the Champions League football. He was excellent in controlling the penalty area and in saving one-on-one situations.
His save percentage of 68% in every 90, placed him among the best goalkeepers in England. His big-game temperament also remains one of the distinguishing features and is especially presented in acts of saving crucial games.

Position	Appearances	Total Clean Sheets	Total Saves	Save % (per 90)	Trophies/Achievements
Goalkeeper	37	8	143	68	2022 World Cup Winner, 2x Copa América winner, Finalissima (2022), FIFA The Best Goalkeeper (2023)

1.Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami)

As we are talking about best football players of Argentina, Lionel Messi should lead the charts. The former Barcelona man, now 38, was the demonstration that age is a number, as he time and again proved why he still rules the list of best footballers in the world. He scored 20 goals and made 16 assists when he led Inter Miami to the top of the table in the 2024/25 MLS season. His vanishing vision, calm style and free-kick magic came into full play as he won the MLS MVP again.
He scored second in his xG (expected goals) contribution in the Major League Soccer, and his average was 0.79 per 90 minutes. However, it is important that Messi could affect a game even despite the fact that he could not play in a goal-scoring mood, because he tended to initiate opportunities and set the example. Messi has been atop the list of Argentina Best Football Players over the last decade.

Position	Appearances	xG (per 90)	Goals	Assists	Trophies/Achievements
Forward	179	0.79	27	34	2024 Copa América Finalist, FIFA World CupFinalissima (2022)Leagues Cup (2023), UEFA Champions League (4x), La Liga (10x), Ligue 1 (2x), Ballon d’Or (8x)

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