World football has always been a powerhouse for Argentina. The country has always had a knack for producing some incredible talent, from the magic of Maradona to the brilliance of Messi. They are no different from the current crop of players. Currently, they dominate leagues across Europe and bring glory to their national team.
In 2022, Argentina won the World Cup, and in 2024, the Copa America. Now they hope to defend their world title in 2026. This is why Argentina will stay at the top of the world rankings in 2025 with these six players.
6. Valentin Carboni - The rising playmakerValentin Carboni is one of the world's most exciting young talents, and he is just 20 years old. Having recovered from a serious knee injury that kept him out earlier this year, Carboni has returned to Inter Milan's first team with some fine displays. He has drawn comparisons in midfield to a young Paulo Dybala for his vision and creativity.
It was when he replaced the retiring Angel Di Maria in the national team that Carboni made his breakthrough. His technical ability and his ability to play the ball make him perfect for Argentina's possession style. He may still be developing, but his inclusion in Inter's FIFA Club World Cup squad illustrates the faith his club has in his talents.
5. Julian Alvarez - The complete forwardSince moving to Atletico Madrid, Julian Alvarez has gone from strength to strength. He made the right decision to leave Manchester City because it paid off massively. Atletico's 25-year-old has scored 19 goals in 38 matches this season and is one of La Liga's deadliest forwards.
Alvarez has been equally impressive for Argentina. He is an invaluable part of coach Scaloni's tactical setup because of his work rate and versatility. Alvarez always plays well, whether alongside or instead of Messi. His two goals against Brazil in March proved why he is one of the world's best strikers.
Also Read: Spain set to face Argentina in 2026 Finalissima as FIFA announces late-March window
4. Alejandro Garnacho - The wing wizardFrom promising talent to a star, Alejandro Garnacho. This season, Manchester United's winger has been unstoppable with his blistering pace and eye for spectacular goals. He showed his technical ability with his bicycle kick against Everton, voted Premier League goal of the season.
Spurs youngster Garnacho was born in Spain but represents Argentina. Argentina has a different dimension in attack with its direct running and creativity. He is still only 21 and has his best years ahead of him, which is a scary thought for defenders across the world.
3. Enzo Fernandez - The midfield maestroEnzo Fernandez remains Chelsea's midfield general and is justifying his huge transfer fee. He has scored nine and assisted 11 in the Premier League this season. He is an exceptional passer and knows how to occupy space, making him the ideal deep-lying playmaker.
The heartbeat of the team for Argentina is Fernandez. He controls the tempo, breaks up attacks by the opposition, and starts the offensive moves. Argentina has the most balanced midfield in international football, and Alexis Mac Allister is part of that. He also has the makings of a club and country captain in Fernandez.
2. Lautaro Martinez - The goal machineThis season, Lautaro Martinez has hit new heights. Inter Milan striker has now become the first foreigner to score 150 goals for the club. Inter have dominated Italian football once again thanks to his 22 goals in Serie A.
Martinez has easily taken over the main striker role for Argentina. He is the perfect number 9 due to his movement in the box and clinical finishing. Argentina will likely make Martinez the focal point of attack when Messi eventually retires. He is 27 and shows no sign of slowing down.
1. Lionel Messi - The G.O.A.TLionel Messi is still Argentina's biggest asset, even at 38. Now he plays fewer minutes, but he still makes a huge impact. He is unmatched when it comes to his vision, passing, and free kick ability. The younger generation of players has been led by Messi.
He has shown his dedication to Argentina by deciding to continue playing for the national team until the 2026 World Cup. He is being built as a team in order to conserve his energy and to maximize his unique talents. Messi is easing his way out of the game, producing moments of magic that remind you why he is the best player of all time, while making sure the transition to the next generation is as smooth as possible.
In 2022, Argentina won the World Cup, and in 2024, the Copa America. Now they hope to defend their world title in 2026. This is why Argentina will stay at the top of the world rankings in 2025 with these six players.
6. Valentin Carboni - The rising playmakerValentin Carboni is one of the world's most exciting young talents, and he is just 20 years old. Having recovered from a serious knee injury that kept him out earlier this year, Carboni has returned to Inter Milan's first team with some fine displays. He has drawn comparisons in midfield to a young Paulo Dybala for his vision and creativity.
It was when he replaced the retiring Angel Di Maria in the national team that Carboni made his breakthrough. His technical ability and his ability to play the ball make him perfect for Argentina's possession style. He may still be developing, but his inclusion in Inter's FIFA Club World Cup squad illustrates the faith his club has in his talents.
5. Julian Alvarez - The complete forwardSince moving to Atletico Madrid, Julian Alvarez has gone from strength to strength. He made the right decision to leave Manchester City because it paid off massively. Atletico's 25-year-old has scored 19 goals in 38 matches this season and is one of La Liga's deadliest forwards.
Julián Alvarez scores his 25th goal for Atlético
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 14, 2025
The most he's scored in a single season🌟 pic.twitter.com/D7zkm1NNgC
Alvarez has been equally impressive for Argentina. He is an invaluable part of coach Scaloni's tactical setup because of his work rate and versatility. Alvarez always plays well, whether alongside or instead of Messi. His two goals against Brazil in March proved why he is one of the world's best strikers.
Also Read: Spain set to face Argentina in 2026 Finalissima as FIFA announces late-March window
4. Alejandro Garnacho - The wing wizardFrom promising talent to a star, Alejandro Garnacho. This season, Manchester United's winger has been unstoppable with his blistering pace and eye for spectacular goals. He showed his technical ability with his bicycle kick against Everton, voted Premier League goal of the season.
Spurs youngster Garnacho was born in Spain but represents Argentina. Argentina has a different dimension in attack with its direct running and creativity. He is still only 21 and has his best years ahead of him, which is a scary thought for defenders across the world.
3. Enzo Fernandez - The midfield maestroEnzo Fernandez remains Chelsea's midfield general and is justifying his huge transfer fee. He has scored nine and assisted 11 in the Premier League this season. He is an exceptional passer and knows how to occupy space, making him the ideal deep-lying playmaker.
The heartbeat of the team for Argentina is Fernandez. He controls the tempo, breaks up attacks by the opposition, and starts the offensive moves. Argentina has the most balanced midfield in international football, and Alexis Mac Allister is part of that. He also has the makings of a club and country captain in Fernandez.
2. Lautaro Martinez - The goal machineThis season, Lautaro Martinez has hit new heights. Inter Milan striker has now become the first foreigner to score 150 goals for the club. Inter have dominated Italian football once again thanks to his 22 goals in Serie A.
Lautaro Martínez scores his 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡 goal of the season ♨️ pic.twitter.com/izMxTXt2Lf
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 12, 2025
Martinez has easily taken over the main striker role for Argentina. He is the perfect number 9 due to his movement in the box and clinical finishing. Argentina will likely make Martinez the focal point of attack when Messi eventually retires. He is 27 and shows no sign of slowing down.
1. Lionel Messi - The G.O.A.TLionel Messi is still Argentina's biggest asset, even at 38. Now he plays fewer minutes, but he still makes a huge impact. He is unmatched when it comes to his vision, passing, and free kick ability. The younger generation of players has been led by Messi.
🚨🚨 Leo Messi is on a mission that transcends the world of sports.
— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) May 13, 2025
The greatest player of all time will select his favorite goal from his entire career so that Refik Anadol can transform it into an unprecedented work of art.
pic.twitter.com/NDBrewmlud
He has shown his dedication to Argentina by deciding to continue playing for the national team until the 2026 World Cup. He is being built as a team in order to conserve his energy and to maximize his unique talents. Messi is easing his way out of the game, producing moments of magic that remind you why he is the best player of all time, while making sure the transition to the next generation is as smooth as possible.
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