Argentina national football team

This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Argentina women's national football team.

Argentina

Nickname(s)	La Albiceleste (The White and Sky Blue)
Association	Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (Argentine Football Association)
Confederation	CONMEBOL (South America)
Head coach	Alejandro Sabella
Captain	Lionel Messi
Most caps	Javier Zanetti (145)
Top scorer	Gabriel Batistuta (56)
Home stadium	El Monumental, Mario A. Kempes, Estadio Único
FIFA code	ARG
FIFA ranking	11
Highest FIFA ranking	1 (March 2007, October 2007 – June 2008)
Lowest FIFA ranking	24 (August 1996)
Elo ranking	7
Highest Elo ranking	1 (most recently in July 2007, 34 times in total)
Lowest Elo ranking	28 (June 1990)
Home colours Away colours
First international
Uruguay 2–3 Argentina (Montevideo, Uruguay; 16 May 1901)
Biggest win
Argentina 12–0 Ecuador (Montevideo, Uruguay; 22 January 1942)
Biggest defeat
Czechoslovakia 6–1 Argentina (Helsingborg, Sweden; 15 June 1958) Uruguay 5–0 Argentina (Guayaquil, Ecuador; 16 December 1959) Argentina 0–5 Colombia (Buenos Aires, Argentina; 5 September 1993) Bolivia 6–1 Argentina (La Paz, Bolivia; 1 April 2009)
World Cup
Appearances	15 (First in 1930)
Best result	Winners, 1978 and 1986
Copa América
Appearances	38 (First in 1916)
Best result	Winners, 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993
Confederations Cup
Appearances	3 (First in 1992)
Best result	Winners, 1992
Honours Olympic medal record Men's football Silver 1928 Amsterdam Team Silver 1996 Atlanta Team Gold 2004 Athens Team Gold 2008 Beijing Team

The Argentina national football team (Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Argentina) represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro Sabella. Argentina has won the Copa América tournament 14 times. The team is currently tenth in the FIFA World Rankings.

Argentina has twice won the FIFA World Cup, in 1978 and 1986. Along with Brazil and Spain, they are the only teams that have won the competition outside their continental zone. Argentina has also won the Copa América (top continental competition) 14 times, the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1992 and the Olympic tournament in 2004 and 2008.

Argentina and France are the only two national teams that have won the three most important men's titles recognized by FIFA: the World Cup, the Confederations Cup, and the Olympic tournament. They have both also won their respective continental championship (Copa América for Argentina, and UEFA European Football Championship for France).

Argentina is known for having rivalries with Uruguay, Brazil, Colombia, Germany and England due to historic occurrences with one another throughout Football history.

History

The first match disputed by Argentina was against Uruguay on May 16, 1901. The line-up for that match was: R. W. Rudd; W. Leslie, A. C. Addecot, A. A. Mack, H. Rattcliff, E. L. Duggan, G. E. Leslie, J. O. Anderson (cap.), S. U. Leonard, Ch. E. Dickinson, G. N. Dickinson. Most of the players called for that match played at Lomas Athletic and Alumni, which were some of the most successful teams of Amateur era in Argentine football.

La Selección (national team), also known as the Albicelestes (sky blue and whites), has appeared in four World Cup finals, including the first final in 1930, which they lost 4–2 to Uruguay. Argentina won in their next final in 1978, beating the Netherlands 3–1. Argentina, led by Diego Maradona won again in 1986, a 3–2 victory over West Germany. Their most recent World Cup final was in 1990, which they lost 1–0 to Germany by a much disputed penalty. Argentina's World Cup winning managers are César Luis Menotti in 1978, and Carlos Bilardo in 1986.

Argentina has been very successful in the Copa América, winning it fourteen times and also winning the 'extra' South American Championships in 1941, 1945 and 1946. The team also won the FIFA Confederations Cup and the Kirin Cup, both in 1992, and an Argentine team (with only three players of over 23 years of age included in the squad) won the Olympics football tournaments in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

Argentina also won six of the fourteen football competitions at the Pan American Games, winning in 1951, 1955, 1959, 1971, 1995 and 2003.

In March 2007, Argentina reached the top of the FIFA World Rankings for the first time.

World Cup 1978

The team that won the first World Cup for Argentina in 1978.

Argentina entered the 1978 World Cup and was placed in Group A and finished second in their group behind Italy. Since Argentina finished second in their group they were eligible to advance onto the second round. In the second round Argentina was placed in Group 1 with their South American rivals, Brazil. In their first game, Argentina beat Poland 2-0, with both goals from Mario Kempes. Their next game was against South American powerhouse Brazil in which the game ended with a 0-0 draw. Their last second round group game was against Peru in which Argentina easily defeated with a 6-0 win. Argentina were able to edge out Brazil in the group and went onto the finals.

Argentina faced the Netherlands in the 1978 World Cup final. Mario Kempes gave Argentina a lead in the 38th minute but the Dutch were able to respond in the 82nd minute with a goal of their own. The game went to extra time and Mario Kempes once again gave the Argentinians a lead and Daniel Bertoni added another goal which sealed the win for Argentina. Argentina became the second South American team to win the World Cup at their home country.

World Cup 1986

The 1986 team that won the FIFA World Cup remaining unbeaten.

After failing to reach the semi-finals in the 1982 World Cup, Argentina entered the 1986 World Cup with hope because of one player, Diego Maradona. Argentina was placed in Group A alongside Italy, Bulgaria, and South Korea. In their first game, Argentina was able to beat South Korea 3-1. Their second game was against Italy, a tougher opponent. Italy was able to take lead in the 6th minute but Diego Maradona responded with a goal in the 34th minute. The game later ended with a 1-1 draw. Their last group game was against Bulgaria which resulted in a 2-0 Argentina win.

Argentina entered the Round of 16 against their South American rival, Uruguay. The game ended in a 1-0 win for Argentina. Next, Argentina moved on to the quarter-finals playing England. The game started very evenly, with both teams getting chances to score but none were able to finish. The first-half ended with Argentina having the majority of possession but unable to get pass a tough defense. Six minutes following the second half Diego Maradona scored a controversial goal in which he used his hand; dubbed the Hand of God. The goal began with a defensive error from Steve Hodge who passed the ball incorrectly back to the goalkeeper, Peter Shilton. At that time Diego Maradona was still continuing his run and reached the ball first and netted it in with his left fist. After the goal, Maradona encouraged his teammates to embrace the goal so the referee would allow it. After just four minutes from the Hand of God goal, Diego Maradona scored a goal in which people called "The Goal of the Century" because of the individual effort of Maradona. Maradona passed five English midfielders and dribbled around the goalkeeper and scored the goal. Argentina beat England, 2-1. Argentina defeated Belgium 2-0 in the semi finals to advance to the finals with West Germany. Argentina won a thrilling game in which they won their second World Cup title. Jose Luis Brown opened the scoring for Argentina. Argentina increased the lead with a goal from Jorge Valdano. Germany started a comeback with goals from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Voller which evened the game at 2-2. Jorge Burruchaga scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute giving Argentina a 3-2 victory over Germany.

World Cup 2006

Argentina had been eliminated at the group stage at Korea/Japan 2002 FIFA World Cup, although they had been among the pre-tournament favorites. There was a high expectation of a better performance in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Argentina qualified for the knockout stages with wins over Ivory Coast (2–1) and Serbia and Montenegro (6–0), and a 0–0 draw with the Netherlands.

In the round of sixteen, Argentina defeated Mexico 2–1 in extra-time, the winning goal by Maxi Rodríguez winning an online poll organized by FIFA, as the best goal of the World Cup. In the quarter final, they lost 4–2 in a penalty shootout against hosts Germany after a 1–1 draw. A brawl erupted between the Argentines and Germans after the game ended. Unused substitute Leandro Cufré was sent off for kicking Per Mertesacker, while Maxi Rodríguez hit Bastian Schweinsteiger from behind. Following an investigation of video evidence, FIFA doled out 4-game and 2-game suspensions for Cufre and Rodriguez, respectively. Germany's Torsten Frings was suspended for the semifinal match for punching Julio Ricardo Cruz.

Shortly after the elimination, coach José Pekerman resigned from his position. AFA appointed Alfio Basile, who had previously managed the national side during the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

Copa América 2007

Argentina won all three games in the group stage, beating United States, Colombia and Paraguay. After convincing victories over Peru and Mexico in the quarter final and semi final respectively, they were favorites to beat Brazil in the final, but were defeated 0–3.

World Cup 2010

Prior to the World Cup, Diego Maradona was appointed head coach. Argentina was placed in Group B in the 2010 World Cup and won all their games in that group. Their first game was against Nigeria, Argentina netted a goal in the 6th minute but struggled to add another one throughout the game. The game ended with a 1–0 victory for Argentina. Their second game was against South Korea. This time Argentina was able to find the net more easily with a hat trick from Gonzalo Higuaín and a own goal from the opposing team. Argentina won the game 4–1. Argentina's last group game was against Greece in which they won 2–0.

Argentina then advanced to the Round of 16 and played Mexico. The game started with controversy when Carlos Tévez headed a ball from Lionel Messi for a goal. Replay clearly shows that Carlos Tevez was offside. Eventually, Argentina beat Mexico 3–1 to advance to the quarter-finals. In a much hyped game Argentina was shocked after Germany thrashed them with a 4-0 win. Thomas Müller opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, Miroslav Klose had a brace, and Arne Friedrich netted a goal as well. Their 4–0 loss to Germany marked the end of Argentina in the 2010 World Cup.

Copa America 2011

The 2011 Copa America was the first major tournament for new coach Sergio Batista. Argentina started the 2011 Copa America with a shocking 1–1 tie against underdogs Bolivia. In their second game, they had a goalless draw against Colombia in Santa Fe but went on to win their third game 3–0 against Costa Rica.

Argentina was to play Uruguay in the quarterfinals. After going down in 5 minutes to a Diego Pérez goal, Gonzalo Higuain equalized in the 17th minute. The score remained unchanged and Argentina lost 5–4 in a penalty shootout with a miss from Carlos Tevez.

After the elimination, coach Sergio Batista was sacked, to be replaced by former Estudiantes coach Alejandro Sabella.

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record										FIFA World Cup qualification record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1930	Runners-up	2nd	5	4	0	1	18	9
1934	First round	9th	1	0	0	1	2	3
1938 to 1954	Withdrew
1958	Group stage	13th	3	1	0	2	5	10		4	3	0	1	10	2
1962	Group stage	10th	3	1	1	1	2	3		2	2	0	0	11	3
1966	Quarter-final	5th	4	2	1	1	4	2		4	3	1	0	9	2
1970	Did not qualify									4	1	1	2	4	6
1974	Second group stage	8th	6	1	2	3	9	12		4	3	1	0	9	2
1978	Champions	1st	7	5	1	1	15	4		–	–	–	–	–	–
1982	Second group stage	11th	5	2	0	3	8	7		–	–	–	–	–	–
1986	Champions	1st	7	6	1	0	14	5		6	4	1	1	12	6
1990	Runners-up	2nd	7	2	3	2	5	4		–	–	–	–	–	–
1994	Round of 16	10th	4	2	0	2	8	6		8	4	2	2	9	10
1998	Quarter-final	6th	5	3	1	1	10	4		16	8	6	2	23	13
2002	Group stage	18th	3	1	1	1	2	2		18	13	4	1	42	15
2006	Quarter-final	6th	5	3	2	0	11	3		18	10	4	4	29	17
2010	Quarter-final	5th	5	4	0	1	10	6		18	8	4	6	23	20
Total	2 Titles	15/19	70	37	13	20	123	80		102	59	24	19	161	96

*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

**Gold background color indicates that the tournament was won. Red border color indicates tournament was held on home soil.

FIFA Confederations Cup

FIFA Confederations Cup record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D *	L	GF	GA	Squad
1992	Champions	1st	2	2	0	0	7	1	Squad
1995	Runners-up	2nd	3	1	1	1	5	3	Squad
1997	Did Not Qualify
1999
2001
2003	Withdrew from 2001 Copa América
2005	Runners-up	2nd	5	2	2	1	10	10	Squad
2009	Did Not Qualify
2013
2017	To Be Determined
2021
Total	Champions	3/9	10	5	3	2	22	14	-

*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

**Gold background color indicates that the tournament was won. Red border color indicates tournament was held on home soil.

Copa América

Copa América
Total: 14 Titles
Year	Position		Year	Position		Year	Position
1916	Second place		1939	Withdrew		1967	Second place
1917	Second place		1941	Champions		1975	Round 1
1919	Third place		1942	Second place		1979	Round 1
1920	Second place		1945	Champions		1983	Round 1
1921	Champions		1946	Champions		1987	Fourth place
1922	Fourth place		1947	Champions		1989	Third place
1923	Second place		1949	Withdrew		1991	Champions
1924	Second place		1953	Withdrew		1993	Champions
1925	Champions		1955	Champions		1995	Quarter-finals
1926	Second place		1956	Third place		1997	Quarter-finals
1927	Champions		1957	Champions		1999	Quarter-finals
1929	Champions		1959	Champions		2001	Withdrew
1935	Second place		1959	Second place		2004	Second place
1937	Champions		1963	Third place		2007	Second place
						2011	Quarter-finals

Pan American Games record

• 1951 – Champions
• 1955 – Champions
• 1959 – Champions
• 1963 – Second place
• 1967 – Round 1
• 1971 – Champions
• 1975 – Third place
• 1979 – Third place
• 1983 – Round 1
• 1987 – Third place
• 1991 – Did not enter
• 1995 – Champions
• 1999 – Did not enter
• 2003 – Champions
• 2007 – Round 1
• 2011 – Second place

Olympics record

Olympics Record
Year	Round	Position	GP	W	D	L	GS	GA
1896	No football tournament
1900–1920	Did not participate
1924	Did not participate
1928	Runners-up	2	5	3	1	1	24	7
1932	No football tournament
1936–1956	Did not participate
1960	Round 1	-	3	2	0	1	6	4
1964	Round 1	-	2	0	1	1	3	4
1968	Did not qualify
1972-1976	Did not qualify
1980	Withdrew
1984	Did not participate
1988	Quarter-finals	-	4	1	1	2	4	5
1992	Did not qualify
1996	Runners-up	2	6	3	2	1	13	6
2000	Did not qualify
2004	Champions	1	6	6	0	0	17	0
2008	Champions	1	6	6	0	0	11	2
2012	Did not qualify
Total	7/25	2 Titles	32	21	5	6	78	28

Titles

Senior team

• FIFA World Cup: 2

1978, 1986

• Copa America: 14

1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946 (extra edition), 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993.

• FIFA Confederations Cup: 1

1992

• Artemio Franchi Trophy: 1

1993

• Nations' Cup: 1

1964

• Panamerican Championship: 1

1960

Friendly titles

• Copa Kirin: 1

1992

• Copa Centenario Revolución de Mayo 1910: 1

1910

• Copa Roca: 1

1923, 1939, 1940, 1971

• Copa Lipton: 1

1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1913, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1928, 1937, 1942, 1945, 1957, 1962, 1968, 1976, 1992

• Copa Newton: 1

1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1911, 1916, 1918, 1924, 1927, 1928, 1937, 1942, 1945, 1957, 1973, 1975, 1976

Olympic team

See also: Argentina Olympic Team

A selection with limited team selection (only 3 players over 23 years could be included in the squad), won the following honours. The matches in these tournaments are generally not included in the statistics of the national team.

• • Gold medal (2): 2004, 2008
  • Silver medal (2): 1928, 1996

Kit history

1901–1910

1911–present

Managers

1. Angel Vázquez (1924–1925) 2. José Lago Millán (1927–1928) 3. Francisco Olazar (1928–1929) 4. Olazar & Tramutola (1929–1930) 5. Felipe Pascucci (1934–1934) 6. Manuel Seoane (1934–1937) 7. Ángel Fernández Roca (1937–1939) 8. Guillermo Stábile (1939–1960) 9. Victorio Spinetto (1960–1961) 10. José D'Amico (1961–1961)

11. Juan Carlos Lorenzo (1962–1963) 12. Alejandro Galán (1963–1963) 13. Horacio Amable Torres (1963–1964) 14. José María Minella (1964–1968) 15. Renato Cesarini (1968–1968) 16. Humberto Dionisio Maschio (1968–1969) 17. Adolfo Pedernera (1969–1969) 18. Juan José Pizzuti (1969–1972) 19. Enrique Omar Sívori (1972–1974) 20. Vladislao Cap (1974–1974)

21. César Luis Menotti (1974–1983) 22. Carlos Bilardo (1983–1990) 23. Alfio Basile (1990–1994) 24. Daniel Passarella (1994–1998) 25. Marcelo Bielsa (1998–2004) 26. José Pekerman (2004–2006) 27. Alfio Basile (2006–2008) 28. Diego Maradona (2008–2010) 29. Sergio Batista (2010–2011) 30. Alejandro Sabella (2011–present)

Current coaching staff

Position	Staff
Manager	Alejandro Sabella
Assistant managers	Julián Camino, Claudio Gugnali
Fitness coach	Pablo Blanco
Goalkeeping coach	Juan José Romero
Physicians	Dr. Daniel Martínez, Dr. Alejandro Rolón
Physical therapists	Luis García, Rubén Araguas

Last updated: 30 August 2011
Source: AFA

Results and Fixtures

2011 Copa América Group A

Main article: 2011 Copa América

Team	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
Colombia	3	2	1	0	3	0	+3	7
Argentina	3	1	2	0	4	1	+3	5
Costa Rica	3	1	0	2	2	4	−2	3
Bolivia	3	0	1	2	1	5	−4	1

Recent and forthcoming matches

Argentina line-up at a friendly match vs. Portugal in Geneva, February 2011.

see also 2010–11 Argentina national team results.
see also 2011–12 Argentina national team results.

• Argentina 1–0 Venezuela – Kolkata, India – September 2, 2011 – Friendly.
• Nigeria 1–3 Argentina – Dhaka, Bangladesh – September 6, 2011 – Friendly.
• Argentina 0–0 Brazil – Córdoba, Argentina – September 14, 2011 – 2011 Superclásico de las Américas.
• Brazil 2–0 Argentina – Belém, Brazil – September 28, 2011 – 2011 Superclásico de las Américas
• Argentina 4–1 Chile – Buenos Aires, Argentina – October 7, 2011 – 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
• Venezuela 1–0 Argentina – Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela – October 11, 2011 – 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
• Argentina 1–1 Bolivia – Mendoza, Argentina – November 11, 2011 – 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
• Colombia 1–2 Argentina – Barranquilla, Colombia – November 15, 2011 – 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Head to head

Main article: Argentina national football team head to head

Players

See also: Argentina international footballers

Current squad

The following 20 players were called for the Friendly Match to be played against Switzerland on 29 February 2012. Caps and goals updated as of November 15, 2011.

0#0 Pos. Player Date of Birth (Age) Caps Goals Club 1 GK Sergio Romero February 22, 1987 (1987-02-22) 25 0 Sampdoria 12 GK Mariano Andújar July 30, 1983 (1983-07-30) 8 0 Estudiantes 3 DF Pablo Zabaleta January 16, 1985 (1985-01-16) 21 0 Manchester City 2 DF Daniel Díaz March 13, 1979 (1979-03-13) 12 1 Getafe 13 DF Marcos Rojo March 20, 1990 (1990-03-20) 9 0 Spartak Moscow 6 DF Luciano Monzón April 13, 1987 (1987-04-13) 7 0 Nice 18 DF Federico Fernández February 21, 1989 (1989-02-21) 5 1 Napoli DF Ezequiel Garay October 10, 1986 (1986-10-10) 3 0 Benfica 15 DF Hugo Campagnaro June 27, 1980 (1980-06-27) 0 0 Napoli 14 MF Javier Mascherano June 8, 1984 (1984-06-08) 78 2 Barcelona 7 FW Maxi Rodríguez January 2, 1981 (1981-01-02) 41 12 Liverpool 5 MF Fernando Gago April 10, 1986 (1986-04-10) 35 0 Roma 8 MF José Ernesto Sosa June 19, 1985 (1985-06-19) 13 1 Metalist Kharkiv 22 MF Rodrigo Braña March 7, 1979 (1979-03-07) 3 0 Estudiantes 11 MF Erik Lamela March 4, 1992 (1992-03-04) 1 0 Roma 10 FW Lionel Messi (Captain) June 24, 1987 (1987-06-24) 66 19 Barcelona 16 FW Sergio Agüero June 2, 1988 (1988-06-02) 33 14 Manchester City 9 FW Gonzalo Higuaín December 10, 1987 (1987-12-10) 22 12 Real Madrid 17 FW Rodrigo Palacio February 5, 1982 (1982-02-05) 9 1 Genoa 19 FW Eduardo Salvio July 13, 1990 (1990-07-13) 4 0 Atlético Madrid

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up for the team in the last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of Birth (Age) Caps Goals Club Latest Call-up GK Agustín Orión July 26, 1981 (1981-07-26) 2 0 Boca Juniors v. Colombia, November 15, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) GK Marcelo Barovero February 12, 1984 (1984-02-12) 0 0 Vélez Sarsfield v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) GK Esteban Andrada January 26, 1991 (1991-01-26) 0 0 Lanús v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) (withdrew) GK Juan Pablo Carrizo May 6, 1984 (1984-05-06) 12 0 Catania 2011 Copa América GK Adrián Gabbarini October 10, 1985 (1985-10-10) 3 0 Independiente v. Poland, June 5, 2011 (Friendly) GK Oscar Ustari July 3, 1986 (1986-07-03) 1 0 Getafe v. Nigeria, June 1, 2011 (Friendly) GK Agustín Marchesín March 16, 1988 (1988-03-16) 1 0 Lanús v. Ecuador, April 20, 2011 (Friendly) GK Javier García January 29, 1987 (1987-01-29) 1 0 Tigre v. Venezuela, March 16, 2011 (Friendly) DF Martín Demichelis December 20, 1980 (1980-12-20) 37 2 Málaga v. Colombia, November 15, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) DF Nicolás Burdisso April 12, 1981 (1981-04-12) 49 2 Roma v. Colombia, November 15, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) DF Leandro Desábato January 24, 1979 (1979-01-24) 3 0 Estudiantes v. Colombia, November 15, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) DF Clemente Rodríguez July 31, 1981 (1981-07-31) 15 1 Boca Juniors v. Colombia, November 15, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) DF Nicolás Otamendi February 12, 1988 (1988-02-12) 15 1 Porto v. Venezuela, October 11, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) DF Emiliano Insúa January 7, 1989 (1989-01-07) 4 0 Sporting v. Venezuela, October 11, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) DF Nicolás Pareja January 19, 1984 (1984-01-19) 1 0 Spartak Moscow v. Venezuela, October 11, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) DF Jonathan Bottinelli September 14, 1984 (1984-09-14) 3 0 San Lorenzo v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) DF Christian Cellay September 5, 1981 (1981-09-05) 2 0 Estudiantes v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) DF Sebastián Domínguez July 29, 1981 (1981-07-29) 4 0 Vélez Sarsfield v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) DF Emiliano Papa April 19, 1982 (1982-04-19) 8 0 Vélez Sarsfield v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) DF Iván Pillud April 24, 1986 (1986-04-24) 5 0 Racing v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) DF Germán Ré November 2, 1981 (1981-11-02) 0 0 Estudiantes v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) DF Lisandro E. López September 1, 1989 (1989-09-01) 2 0 Arsenal v. Brazil, September 14, 2011 (Friendly) DF Cristian Ansaldi March 20, 1986 (1986-03-20) 2 0 Rubin Kazan v. Nigeria, September 6, 2011 (Friendly) (withdrew) DF Gabriel Milito September 7, 1980 (1980-09-07) 42 1 Independiente 2011 Copa América DF Javier Zanetti August 10, 1973 (1973-08-10) 145 5 Internazionale 2011 Copa América DF Federico Fazio March 17, 1987 (1987-03-17) 2 0 Sevilla v. Poland, June 5, 2011 (Friendly) DF Mateo Musacchio August 26, 1990 (1990-08-26) 2 0 Villareal v. Poland, June 5, 2011 (Friendly) DF Marcos Angeleri April 7, 1983 (1983-04-07) 4 0 Sunderland v. Nigeria, June 1, 2011 (Friendly) DF Ismael Quílez October 2, 1988 (1988-10-02) 2 0 Colón v. Paraguay, May 25, 2011 (Friendly) DF Julián Velázquez October 23, 1990 (1990-10-23) 1 0 Independiente v. Paraguay, May 25, 2011 (Friendly) DF Jonathan Maidana July 29, 1985 (1985-07-29) 2 0 River Plate v. Ecuador, April 20, 2011 (Friendly) DF Gastón Díaz March 13, 1988 (1988-03-13) 1 0 Vélez Sarsfield v. Venezuela, March 16, 2011 (Friendly) DF Fernando Tobio October 18, 1989 (1989-10-18) 0 0 Vélez Sarsfield v. Venezuela, March 16, 2011 (Friendly) MF Ángel di María February 14, 1988 (1988-02-14) 27 5 Real Madrid v. Switzerland, February, 29, 2012 (Friendly) MF Ricardo Álvarez April 12, 1988 (1988-04-12) 3 0 Internazionale v. Colombia, November 15, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) MF Pablo Guiñazú August 26, 1978 (1978-08-26) 6 0 Internacional v. Colombia, November 15, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) MF Nicolás Gaitán February 23, 1988 (1988-02-23) 6 0 Benfica v. Colombia, November 15, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) MF Javier Pastore June 20, 1989 (1989-06-20) 13 0 Paris Saint-Germain v. Colombia, November 15, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) MF Éver Banega June 29, 1988 (1988-06-29) 14 0 Valencia v. Bolivia, November 11, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) MF Jonás Gutiérrez July 5, 1983 (1983-07-05) 22 1 Newcastle United v. Venezuela, October 11, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) MF Fabián Rinaudo May 15, 1987 (1987-05-15) 4 0 Sporting v. Venezuela, October 11, 11 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) MF Mario Bolatti February 17, 1985 (1985-02-17) 12 1 Internacional v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) MF Héctor Canteros March 15, 1989 (1989-03-15) 2 0 Vélez Sarsfield v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) MF Cristian Chávez June 16, 1986 (1986-06-16) 4 1 Boca Juniors v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) MF Augusto Fernández April 10, 1986 (1986-04-10) 2 0 Vélez Sarsfield v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) MF Walter Montillo April 14, 1984 (1984-04-14) 1 0 Cruzeiro v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) MF Agustín Pelletieri May 17, 1982 (1982-05-17) 0 0 Racing v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) MF Andrés D'Alessandro April 15, 1981 (1981-04-15) 25 3 Internacional v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) (withdrew) MF Lucas Castro April 9, 1989 (1989-04-09) 0 0 Racing v. Brazil, September 14, 2011 (Friendly) MF Diego Villar April 24, 1981 (1981-04-24) 0 0 Godoy Cruz v. Brazil, September 14, 2011 (Friendly) MF Víctor Zapata January 20, 1979 (1979-01-20) 2 0 Vélez Sarsfield v. Brazil, September 14, 2011 (Friendly) MF Juan Román Riquelme June 24, 1978 (1978-06-24) 51 17 Boca Juniors v. Brazil, September 14, 2011 (Friendly) (withdrew) MF Diego Valeri May 1, 1986 (1986-05-01) 3 0 Lanús v. Brazil, September 14, 2011 (Friendly) (withdrew) MF Juan Sebastián Verón March 9, 1975 (1975-03-09) 73 9 Estudiantes v. Brazil, September 14, 2011 (Friendly) (withdrew) MF Lucho González January 19, 1981 (1981-01-19) 44 7 Porto v. Nigeria, September 6, 2011 (Friendly) MF Lucas Biglia January 30, 1986 (1986-01-30) 6 0 Anderlecht 2011 Copa América MF Esteban Cambiasso August 18, 1980 (1980-08-18) 52 5 Internazionale 2011 Copa América MF Enzo Pérez February 22, 1986 (1986-02-22) 5 2 Estudiantes 2011 Copa América (preliminary squad) MF Fernando Belluschi September 10, 1983 (1983-09-10) 5 0 Genoa v. Poland, June 5, 2011 (Friendly) MF Nicolás Bertolo January 2, 1986 (1986-01-02) 2 0 Palermo v. Poland, June 5, 2011 (Friendly) MF Alejandro Cabral September 11, 1987 (1987-09-11) 2 0 Vélez Sársfield v. Poland, June 5, 2011 (Friendly) MF Alberto Costa January 9, 1985 (1985-01-09) 1 0 Valencia v. Poland, June 5, 2011 (Friendly) MF Mauro Formica April 4, 1988 (1988-04-04) 1 0 Blackburn Rovers v. Poland, June 5, 2011 (Friendly) MF Diego Perotti July 26, 1988 (1988-07-26) 2 0 Sevilla v. Poland, June 5, 2011 (Friendly) MF Luciano Aued March 1, 1987 (1987-03-01) 2 1 Racing v. Ecuador, April 20, 2011 (Friendly) MF Claudio Yacob July 18, 1987 (1987-07-18) 2 1 Racing v. Ecuador, April 20, 2011 (Friendly) MF Maximiliano Moralez February 26, 1987 (1987-02-26) 1 0 Atalanta v. Venezuela, March 16, 2011 (Friendly) MF Franco Razzotti February 6, 1985 (1985-02-06) 1 0 Vélez Sarsfield v. Venezuela, March 16, 2011 (Friendly) FW Ezequiel Lavezzi May 3, 1985 (1985-05-03) 16 2 Napoli v. Colombia, November 15, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) FW Germán Denis September 10, 1981 (1981-09-10) 5 0 Atalanta v. Colombia, November 15, 2011 (2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying) FW Emanuel Gigliotti May 20, 1987 (1987-05-20) 1 0 San Lorenzo v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) FW Gabriel Hauche November 27, 1986 (1986-11-27) 5 3 Racing v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) FW Pablo Mouche October 11, 1987 (1987-10-11) 5 2 Boca Juniors v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) FW Lucas Viatri March 29, 1987 (1987-03-29) 3 0 Boca Juniors v. Brazil, September 28, 2011 (Friendly) FW Mauro Boselli May 22, 1985 (1985-05-22) 4 1 Estudiantes v. Brazil, September 14, 2011 (Friendly) FW Gastón Fernández October 12, 1983 (1983-10-12) 0 0 Estudiantes v. Brazil, September 14, 2011 (Friendly) FW Juan Manuel Martínez October 25, 1985 (1985-10-25) 2 0 Vélez Sarsfield v. Brazil, September 14, 2011 (Friendly) FW Diego Morales November 29, 1986 (1986-11-29) 1 0 Tigre v. Brazil, September 14, 2011 (Friendly) FW Lisandro López March 2, 1983 (1983-03-02) 7 1 Lyon v. Nigeria, September 6, 2011 (Friendly) (withdrew) FW Diego Milito June 12, 1979 (1979-06-12) 24 4 Internazionale 2011 Copa América FW Carlos Tévez February 5, 1984 (1984-02-05) 62 13 Manchester City 2011 Copa América FW Jonathan Cristaldo March 5, 1989 (1989-03-05) 1 0 Metalist Kharkiv v. Poland, June 5, 2011 (Friendly) FW Franco Jara July 15, 1988 (1988-07-15) 4 1 Granada v. Poland, June 5, 2011 (Friendly) FW Pablo Piatti March 31, 1989 (1989-03-31) 1 0 Valencia v. Poland, June 5, 2011 (Friendly) FW Marco Ruben October 26, 1986 (1986-10-26) 1 1 Villareal v. Poland, June 5, 2011 (Friendly) FW Mauricio Sperdutti February 16, 1986 (1986-02-16) 2 0 Newell's Old Boys v. Paraguay, May 25, 2011 (Friendly) FW Matías Defederico August 23, 1989 (1989-08-23) 2 1 Independiente v. Venezuela, March 16, 2011 (Friendly)

Previous squads

FIFA World Cup

• 1930 FIFA World Cup squad
• 1934 FIFA World Cup squad
• 1958 FIFA World Cup squad
• 1962 FIFA World Cup squad
• 1966 FIFA World Cup squad
• 1974 FIFA World Cup squad
• 1978 FIFA World Cup squad
• 1982 FIFA World Cup squad
• 1986 FIFA World Cup squad
• 1990 FIFA World Cup squad
• 1994 FIFA World Cup squad
• 1998 FIFA World Cup squad
• 2002 FIFA World Cup squad
• 2006 FIFA World Cup squad
• 2010 FIFA World Cup squad

Copa America

• 1987 Copa América squad
• 1989 Copa América squad
• 1991 Copa América squad
• 1993 Copa América squad
• 1995 Copa América squad
• 1997 Copa América squad
• 1999 Copa América squad
• 2004 Copa América squad
• 2007 Copa América squad
• 2011 Copa América squad

Confederations Cup

• 1992 FIFA Confederations Cup squad
• 1995 FIFA Confederations Cup squad
• 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup squad

Most capped players

As of November 15, 2011, the ten players with the most caps for Argentina are:

#	Name	Career	Caps	Goals
1.	Javier Zanetti	1994–present	145	5
2.	Roberto Ayala	1994–2007	115	7
3.	Diego Simeone	1988–2002	106	11
4.	Oscar Ruggeri	1983–1994	97	7
5.	Diego Maradona	1977–1994	91	34
6.	Ariel Ortega	1993–2010	87	17
7.	Gabriel Batistuta	1991–2002	78	56
	Javier Mascherano	2003–present	78	2
9	Juan Pablo Sorín	1995–2006	76	12
10	Américo Gallego	1975–1982	73	3
	Juan Sebastián Verón	1996–2010	73	9

Top goalscorers

As of November 15, 2011, the ten players with the most goals for Argentina are:

#	Name	Career	Goals	Caps
1.	Gabriel Batistuta	1991–2002	56	78
2.	Hernán Crespo	1995–2007	35	63
3.	Diego Maradona	1977–1994	34	91
4.	Luis Artime	1961–1967	24	25
5.	Leopoldo Luque	1975–1981	22	45
–	Daniel Passarella	1976–1986	22	70
7.	José Sanfilippo	1956–1962	21	29
–	Herminio Masantonio	1935–1942	21	19
9.	Mario Kempes	1973–1982	20	43
10	Norberto Méndez	1945–1956	19	31
	José Manuel Moreno	1936–1950	19	34
	Lionel Messi	2005–present	19	66

Notable players

This section lists players who have appeared in 50 matches or scored at least 10 goals for Argentina.

• Sergio Agüero (2006– )
• Pablo Aimar (1997–2009)
• Antonio Angelillo (1957)
• Osvaldo Ardiles (1974–1982)
• Luis Artime (1961–1967)
• Roberto Ayala (1995–2007)
• Rubén Ayala (1969–1974)
• Abel Balbo (1988–1998)
• Gabriel Batistuta (1991–2003)
• Daniel Bertoni (1974–1982)
• Miguel Ángel Brindisi (1969–1974)
• José Luis Brown (1983–1990)
• Nicolás Burdisso (2003–)
• Jorge Burruchaga (1983–1990)
• Esteban Cambiasso (2000–)
• Claudio Caniggia (1988–2002)
• Roberto Cherro (1926–1937)
• Omar Oreste Corbatta (1956–1962)
• Hernán Crespo (1995–2007)
• Ramón Díaz (1979–1982)
• Rogelio Domínguez (1951–1963)
• Manuel Ferreira (1927–1930)
• Ubaldo Fillol (1972–1985)

• Rodolfo Fischer (1967–1972)
• Marcelo Gallardo (1995–2002)
• Américo Gallego (1975–1982)
• Ricardo Giusti (1983–1990)
• Kily González (1995–2005)
• Gabriel Heinze (2003– )
• Gonzalo Higuaín (2009– )
• René Houseman (1973–1979)
• Mario Kempes (1974–1982)
• Ángel Labruna (1942–1958)
• Claudio López (1995–2004)
• Félix Loustau (1945–1952)
• Leopoldo Luque (1975–1981)
• Oscar Más (1965–1972)
• Javier Mascherano (2003– )
• Humberto Maschio (1956–1957)
• Diego Maradona (1977–1994)
• Rinaldo Martino (1942–1948)
• Herminio Masantonio (1935–1942)
• Rodolfo Micheli (1953–1956)
• José Manuel Moreno (1940–1947)
• Norberto Méndez (1945–1956)
• Lionel Messi (2005– )

• Jorge Olguín (1976–1982)
• Ermindo Onega (1960–1967)
• Ariel Ortega (1993–2010)
• Daniel Passarella (1974–1986)
• Carlos Peucelle (1928–1940)
• René Pontoni (1942–1947)
• Fernando Redondo (1992–1999)
• Juan Román Riquelme (1997–)
• Maxi Rodríguez (2003– )
• Oscar Ruggeri (1982–1994)
• Walter Samuel (1999– )
• José Sanfilippo (1957–1962)
• Javier Saviola (2001–2009)
• Roberto Sensini (1987–2003)
• Manuel Seoane (1924–1929)
• Diego Simeone (1991–2003)
• Juan Pablo Sorín (1995–2006)
• Héctor Rubén Sosa (1959–1962)
• Domingo Tarasconi (1922–1929)
• Alberto Tarantini (1974–1982)
• Carlos Tévez (2004– )
• Juan Sebastián Verón (1995–2011)
• Javier Zanetti (1994– )

Gallery

• 

  Américo Tesoriere played for Argentina between 1919 and 1925.

• 

  Guillermo Stábile played in the 1930 World Cup and managed the team from 1939 to 1960.

• 

  Silvio Marzolini played in the 1962 and 1966 World Cup.

• 

  César Menotti coach the team for 10 years, winning the 1978 World Cup.

• 

  Mario Kempes, the top scorer of 1978 World Cup.

• 

  Daniel Passarella, the 1978 champion's captain.

• 

  Ubaldo Fillol, one of the best goalkeepers of all-time.

• 

  Diego Maradona, considered the best Argentine footballer ever.

• 

  Carlos Bilardo won the 1986 title as coach.

• 

  Gabriel Batistuta, all-time top scorer with 56 goals.

• 

  Roberto Ayala played in 10 tournaments from 1994 to 2007, also spent time as captain.

• 

  Javier Zanetti, all-time most capped player with 145 caps.

• 

  Juan Sebastián Verón played 4 World Cups for Argentina.

• 

  Lionel Messi is widely recognised as world's best football player.

Facts

1964 line-up for the Nations' Cup

• Argentina and Uruguay hold the record for the most international matches played between two countries. The two teams have faced each other 198 times since 1901. The first match against Uruguay was the first official international match to be played outside the United Kingdom.
• Marcelo Trobbiani was a member of the Argentina World Cup squad in 1986, but he only managed two minutes of play in the entire tournament, he came on in the 88th minute of the World Cup Final against West Germany. This two minutes of football equalled the world record for the shortest World Cup career set by Tunisia's Khemais Labidi in 1978.
• In the 2006 World Cup Leandro Cufré was given a red card and sent off after the end of the Quarter Final game with Germany for his part in the brawl after the match, even though he was a substitute and had not participated in the game itself. It is the only occasion of a player being sent off in a FIFA World Cup match after the final whistle. Four years earlier, in the 2002 World Cup Claudio Caniggia was sent off for swearing at a match official from the substitute bench.

See also

• Vamos vamos Argentina
• Argentina national under-17 football team
• Argentina national under-20 football team
• Argentina national under-23 football team
• Argentina and Brazil football rivalry
• Argentina and England football rivalry

Notes

1.^ The match between Uruguay and Argentina on 16 May 1901 was organized by Uruguayan club Albion, from whom the team, reinforced with players from rival club Nacional, was selected. The match ended 2–3 in favor of the Argentines. However, since clubs are not allowed to organize official international matches, the match is not considered official.

External links

• Official website, at the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino's website
• RSSSF archive of results 1901–2002
• RSSSF archive of results 1999–
• RSSSF archive of most capped players and highest goalscorers
• RSSSF archive of coaches 1901–90
• News and results of the Argentina national team
• Argentina Soccerway Profile