Argentina best midfielders list: Messi’s idol alongside a 2022 World Cup champion

The essence of South American football is a paradoxical blend of sublime technique, cunning "picardia," and an unrelenting competitive fire. Argentine midfielders, in particular, have dominated the global stage by wielding a unique DNA that no other continent seems to replicate quite as effectively. 

While players from the Pampas may not always possess the most intimidating physical frames, their indomitable will and ability to "dance" with the ball have guided the nation to three World Cup titles. Most recently, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Lionel Scaloni’s midfield engine room enchanted the world with a display of courageous, fluid football that reminded everyone why the Albiceleste remains a powerhouse. 

Ranking the 10 Argentina best midfielders is a daunting task given the sheer volume of exceptional talent produced by the Tango nation, but Goaloomobi has meticulously analyzed their careers to bring you this definitive list. We hope our readers find these selections as evocative of greatness as we do.

Ranking of the 10 Argentina best midfielders of all time

10. Juan Sebastián Verón

Known as "La Brujita" (The Little Witch), Verón earned 72 caps for Argentina between 1996 and 2010, scoring 9 goals and featuring in 3 World Cups (1998, 2002, 2010). His club career was a tour of Europe’s elite, spanning 2 decades. He reached his zenith in Italy, winning the UEFA Cup with Parma (1999) and a historic Scudetto with Lazio (2000). 

In the Premier League, he represented Manchester United and Chelsea, though his most emotional chapter came at Estudiantes, where he led them to the 2009 Copa Libertadores title. Verón retired in 2017 at the age of 42 and currently serves as the Chairman of Estudiantes.

9. Américo Gallego

A rugged central midfielder, Gallego was the defensive heartbeat of the 1978 World Cup-winning squad. Between 1975 and 1982, he earned 73 caps, providing the grit that allowed maestros like Mario Kempes to shine. Domestically, he became a legend at River Plate, captaining them to their first Copa Libertadores in 1986. After retiring in 1988, he transitioned into a highly successful coaching career, winning league titles with 4 different clubs.

8. Alexis Mac Allister

The current Liverpool star became Argentina's "lucky charm" during the 2022 World Cup. After the shock opening loss to Saudi Arabia, Mac Allister entered the starting lineup and never looked back. He scored a vital goal against Poland in the group stage and provided the crucial assist for Angel Di Maria in the final against France. Having moved from Brighton to Liverpool in 2023 for approximately £35 million, he has quickly become a pillar of the Reds' midfield.

7. Pablo Aimar

Aimar, the man Lionel Messi called his idol, ranks seventh. "El Payaso" (The Clown) was a creative genius who won 52 caps and scored 8 goals. His peak years came at Valencia (2001-2006), where he won 2 La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup, playing 162 matches and scoring 27 goals. 

Despite an injury-plagued career, Aimar’s vision was legendary. Diego Maradona once remarked, "Pablo is the only player I would pay to watch play." He retired in 2015 and is currently a key member of Lionel Scaloni’s coaching staff, helping guide the next generation to glory.

6. Ariel Ortega

Ortega represents the pure "Enganche" spirit. "El Burrito" earned 87 caps and scored 17 goals, serving as the creative spark in the 1994, 1998, and 2002 World Cups. A River Plate icon, he won 6 league titles and the 1996 Copa Libertadores over multiple stints, totaling over 270 appearances and 65 goals for the club. Known for his incredible dribbling and "chip" goals, Ortega retired in 2012 at age 38.

5. Fernando Redondo

Despite only earning 29 caps due to personal disputes and injuries, Rerondo’s quality was undeniable. He was the MVP of the 1993 Copa América triumph. At Real Madrid (1994-2000), he played 165 games and won 2 Champions League titles. After a legendary performance against Man United in 2000, Sir Alex Ferguson asked, "What does this player have in his boots? A magnet?" Redondo retired in 2004 at age 35 due to chronic knee issues.

4. Diego Simeone

Simeone, the ultimate warrior. "El Cholo" was the first Argentine to reach 100 caps, eventually finishing with 106. He was instrumental in the 1991 and 1993 Copa América victories. A serial winner at the club level, he won the double with Atletico Madrid in 1996 and the Scudetto with Lazio in 2000. Known for playing with "a knife between his teeth," Simeone retired in 2006 and has since become one of the world's most successful managers at Atletico Madrid.

3. Osvaldo Ardiles

Ardiles was the architect of the 1978 World Cup victory. "Ossie" earned 53 caps and became a global icon at Tottenham Hotspur, where he played 311 games and won 2 FA Cups and a UEFA Cup. He famously wore the No. 1 shirt at the 1982 World Cup because Argentina assigned numbers alphabetically. Ardiles retired in 1991 and remains an ambassador for Tottenham.

2. Javier Mascherano

"El Jefecito" (The Little Chief) is a symbol of resilience, earning 147 caps, the second most in national history. While he won 2 Olympic Gold Medals (2004, 2008), he suffered the heartbreak of losing 5 major finals with the senior team. At Barcelona (2010-2018), he played 334 matches, winning 2 Champions Leagues and 5 La Liga titles. 

1. Jorge Burruchaga

While Maradona was the sun, Burruchaga was the engine that powered the 1986 World Cup winners. He scored the most famous winning goal in Argentine history in the 1986 final against West Germany. With 59 caps and 13 goals, he also helped Argentina reach the 1990 final. 

A legend at Independiente, he won the Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup in 1984. He retired in 1998 and has since pursued a career in coaching and sports management.

The 10 Argentina best midfielders: 

1. Jorge Burruchaga 

2. Javier Mascherano

3. Osvaldo Ardiles

4. Diego Simeone

5. Fernando Redondo

6. Ariel Ortega

7. Pablo Aimar

8. Alexis Mac Allister

9. Américo Gallego

10. Juan Sebastián Verón 

In conclusion, Goaloomobi.net has highlighted the most extraordinary Argentine players in history, each bringing a different flavor of brilliance to the pitch. Perhaps the greatest tragedy in this list of Argentina best midfielders belongs to Mascherano. 

Despite his immense quality, he remains a "great runner-up," having fallen at the final hurdle five times with the national team. Note: Maradona’s absence from this list is due to our assessment of him as a forward rather than a theoretical attacking midfielder.

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