Get to know the Top 10 Argentina Midfielders of All Time.. Ranked, across generations, these stars have redefined what it means to be a midfielder, serving as the true decision-makers in the heart of the pitch and the cornerstone of their teams’ greatest moments, both at club level and with the national side.
The holding midfielder is the one who dictates the tempo of the match—breaking up attacks and launching the passes that lead to goals.
Among the many who have shined in this role, here we present the Top 10 Midfielders in Argentina’s History.
Top 10 Argentina Midfielders of All Time.. Ranked
1. Jorge Burruchaga
Diego Maradona may have been the icon of Argentina’s 1986 World Cup-winning team, but it was Jorge Burruchaga who struck the decisive goal in the final against West Germany.
An attacking midfielder with spells at Independiente and Nantes, he scored 13 goals in 59 appearances for the Albiceleste and was also part of the side that reached the 1990 final.
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2. Javier Mascherano
A tireless leader in midfield, Javier Mascherano earned 147 caps and played in five finals for Argentina, though major international silverware often eluded him.
He did, however, win two Olympic gold medals in 2004 and 2008, and reinvented himself as a defender during Barcelona’s era of dominance.
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3. Osvaldo Ardiles
One of the stars of Argentina’s 1978 World Cup triumph, Osvaldo Ardiles collected more than 50 caps between 1975 and 1982.
Affectionately known as “Ossie” at Tottenham, where he enjoyed a long and successful career, Ardiles famously wore the No. 1 shirt at the 1982 World Cup due to Argentina’s alphabetical squad system.
4. Diego Simeone
The ultimate competitor, Diego Simeone became the first Argentine to reach 100 caps.
Renowned for his relentless energy and leadership, he was part of the Copa América-winning squads in 1991 and 1993, while also lifting trophies with Lazio, Inter, and Atlético Madrid.
5. Fernando Redondo
Elegant and composed, Fernando Redondo was one of the finest midfielders of his generation, though controversy limited his international appearances.
He refused a 1990 World Cup call-up to focus on studies and missed 1998 after a dispute with coach Daniel Passarella. Still, he won the 1993 Copa América and in 2015 was named in Argentina’s all-time XI by the AFA.
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6. Ariel Ortega
A River Plate legend, Ariel Ortega dazzled with flair and creativity, winning six league titles and the 1996 Copa Libertadores.
He earned over 80 caps for Argentina, scored 17 goals, and featured in three consecutive World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002), as well as winning Olympic silver in 1996.
7. Pablo Aimar
Nicknamed El Mago and idolized by a young Lionel Messi, Pablo Aimar was one of Argentina’s most talented playmakers.
He lifted the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1997, represented Argentina at two World Cups, and was part of the 2007 Copa América final.
Across 52 senior caps, he scored eight goals in a career hampered by injuries.
8. Alexis Mac Allister
A breakout star of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, Alexis Mac Allister became indispensable after starting in the group stage.
He scored against Poland, assisted Ángel Di María in the final, and played a pivotal role in the triumph over France. After impressing at Brighton, he secured a move to Liverpool in 2023.
9. Américo Gallego
A dependable central midfielder, Américo Gallego won 73 caps and played a crucial role in Argentina’s 1978 World Cup success on home soil.
At club level, he captained River Plate to Copa Libertadores glory in 1986 and also enjoyed long spells with Newell’s Old Boys.
10. Juan Sebastián Verón
A versatile and technically gifted midfielder, Juan Sebastián Verón earned 72 caps and scored nine goals for Argentina between 1996 and 2010.
He featured in three World Cups and won trophies with Parma, Lazio, Manchester United, Inter, and his boyhood club Estudiantes, cementing his reputation as one of Argentina’s finest of his era.
