Argentinians in Spain: La Roja’s most vexing football news
Argentina and Spain have a long-standing football relationship, with some of the Latin American giants’ most iconic players playing in La Liga. From Alfredo de Stefano in the 1950s, to Mario Kempes, Diego Maradona, Jorge Valdano and Leo Messi, Argentina’s elite have always been part of the Spanish football system. Some bring Latin American sophistication, others the gritty, never-say-die attitude that is woven into La Roja’s DNA.Times of India takes stock of the top Argentinian players at Spanish clubs as they now look to frustrate Spain’s chances of a second World Cup title.Lionel MessiThe boy from Rosario is synonymous with FC Barcelona. In 2000, at the age of 13, he joined La Masia’s youth academy and spent the next 21 years at the club, establishing himself as the player he is today, winning 35 titles with the Catalans. But due to Barcelona’s financial problems, he had to leave in 2021. The Spanish Football Federation even tried to convince the young Messi to play for Spain, but Messi chose to play for Argentina.Rodrigo De PaulOne of the team’s senior players, the defensive midfielder spent four years at Atletico Madrid from 2021-25. De Paul, who arrived from Italian club Udinese, quickly established himself as one of the most reliable midfielders in Argentine great Diego Simeone’s side and endured a difficult spell for the elite teams in Spain and Europe. He is now at Inter Miami.Giovanni Lo CelsoAlthough Lo Celso has played most of his career in England, his time in Spain cannot be ignored. The midfielder first joined Real Betis on loan from Paris Saint-Germain and also had spells at Villarreal before returning with Manuel Pellegrini’s side, who finished fifth and qualified for this season’s Champions League.Nahuel MolinaMolina is one of Argentina’s most reliable full-backs. Molina joins Atletico Madrid from Udinese. Under Simeone, Molina has become an important part of Atletico’s defense. He scored his first goal for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup qualifying match against the Netherlands.Julian AlvarezAfter joining Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in 2024, Argentina’s new-era sparkle has won many games for Simeone’s side. His ability to break through tough defenses has helped him become a mainstay for Atletico, who are fighting tooth and nail to keep the player while Barcelona are pulling out all the stops for him.Giuliano SimeoneGiuliano is the son of Atletico coach Diego and another key member of the club, having played a major role in Argentina’s win against England. The right-sided attacking midfielder combines the energy and talent that Atletico and Argentina share.Gonzalo MontielThe defender, who took Argentina’s winning penalty kick in the 2022 World Cup, played for Sevilla for four years and won the 2023 UEFA Europa League with the team that defeated Roma in the final. In the semi-final against England, he came on in the 71st minute and played an important role in Argentina’s advancement to the final.Other players with La Liga links: Reserve goalkeepers Geronimo Rulli (Real Sociedad and Villarreal), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), Nico Paz (Castilla and Real Madrid), midfielders Thiago Almeida and Nico González (Atletico Madrid) have always been an integral part of Spanish club football.
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