Argentina's most experienced players The Argentina national team has had legendary figures throughout its history, but some players stand out for their longevity and commitment to the albiceleste jersey. Lionel Messi leads the ranking with 207 appearances, a record that continues to grow. Recently, the team suffered a defeat against Spain (1-0) on July 19, 2026, but maintains good performance with 4 wins in their last 5 matches. ## Who are the players with the most appearances? Lionel Messi holds the top spot with a significant lead over his pursuers. He debuted on August 17, 2005, and has spent over two decades defending the albiceleste jersey. In addition to being the player with the most appearances, he is also the team's all-time top scorer. Javier Mascherano is in second place with 147 appearances. He was a historic central midfielder and captain of the national team during much of the pre-Messi era. Ángel Di María and Javier Zanetti share third place with 145 appearances each. Di María ended his time with the national team after winning the Copa América 2024, while Zanetti held the absolute record for appearances for years. ## Which other players stand out in the ranking? Nicolás Otamendi continues to climb the ranks and is now among the five players with the most appearances in the team's history. He debuted in 2009 and continues to add matches under the leadership of Lionel Scaloni. Roberto Ayala, Diego Simeone, Sergio Agüero, Oscar Ruggeri, and Sergio Romero complete the top 10 with over 90 appearances each. ## Why is this ranking important? This ranking reflects the continuity, relevance, and commitment of a footballer to the albiceleste jersey. The players who make up this list have left an indelible mark on the history of the Argentina national team, contributing to its successes and consolidating their legacy.