Argentinians in Spain: La Roja’s biggest headache

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (left) celebrates with Rodrigo de Paul after scoring the opening goal against Cape Verde during the FIFA U-32 World Cup match in Miami Gardens, Florida, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo) Argentina and Spain share a long footballing relationship, with some of the Latin American giants’ most famous players plying their trade in La Liga. From Alfredo de Stefano in the 1950s to Mario Kempes, Diego Maradona, Jorge Valdano and Leo Messi, Argentina’s elite have been part of Spain’s football architecture. While some bring Latin American finesse, others import a tough never-say-die attitude, something that has also been written into La Roja’s DNA.TOI takes a look at Argentina’s top players at Spanish clubs who are now looking to humble the Spanish stalwart for their second World Cup title.LIONEL MESSIThe boy from Rosario is synonymous with FC Barcelona. He joined La Masia’s academy aged 13 in 2000 and spent the next 21 years at the club, establishing himself as the player he is today, winning 35 titles with the Catalans. However, due to Barca’s financial problems, he had to leave in 2021. The Spanish FA even tried to convince Messi to sign up for Spain when he was young, but Messi chose to play for Argentina instead.RODRIGO DE PAULOne of the established members of the squad, the defensive midfielder spent four years at Atlético Madrid from 2021-25. De Paul moved from Italian club Udinese and quickly established himself as one of the most reliable midfielders in Argentinian great Diego Simeone’s squad, providing hot time for Spain and Europe’s elite. He is now at Inter Miami.GIOVANNI LO CELSOAlthough he spent a chunk of his career playing in England, Lo Celso’s spell in Spain cannot be ignored. The midfielder first moved to Real Betis on loan from PSG, also played for Villarreal and is now back in Manuel Pellegrini’s side, who finished fifth and qualified for the Champions League this season.NAHUEL MOLINAMolina is one of Argentina’s most reliable full-backs. Molina transferred to Atlético from Udinese. Under Simeone, Molina has become a key part of Atleti’s defensive strength. He scored his first goal for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup QF against the Netherlands.JULIAN ALVAREZFollowing his move to Atletico Madrid in 2024 from Manchester City, the shining light of the new Argentina has won many games for Simeone’s side. His ability to break through tough defenses is something that has helped him become a mainstay for Atlético, who are fighting tooth and nail to keep the player in their squad as Barcelona go all out for him.GIULIANO SIMEONEGiuliano, the son of Atlético Madrid coach Diego, is another crucial member of the club who played an important role for Argentina against England. The right-sided attacking midfielder combines the ferocity and flair that both Atlético and Argentina have in common.GONZALO MONTIELThe defender, who served a penalty in Argentina’s World Cup win in 2022, spent four years at Sevilla and won the Europa League with them in 2023, beating Roma in the final. He came on in the 71st minute in the semi-final against England and played an important role in Argentina’s final.Other players with links to La Liga: Reserve goalkeepers Geronimo Rulli (Sociedad and Villarreal), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), Nico Paz (Castilla and Real Madrid), midfielders Thiago Almeda and Nico Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid) are an integral part of Spanish club football.