Top 10 goal scorers in the history of the Argentina national football team

Football for Argentina is not just a sport, but a real passion, a part of the national soul. Every goal scored in the "albiceleste" jersey is perceived here as a small miracle, and strikers are loved with a special, fervent love — because they are the ones who give fans those very moments for which millions of people freeze in front of screens.

In this article, we have collected a dozen players who have scored the most for the Argentinian national team — and each of them has their own story.

1st place — Lionel Messi (still playing)

Matches for the national team: 206.

Goals: 125.

Average goal rate per match: 0.61.

Lionel Messi holds the absolute record for the Argentinian national team in terms of goals and matches. Yes, it all started not in the best way. Years passed, and fans were still waiting for those big titles from Leo in the national team's jersey. And after 2020, they finally got it. Messi led the team to victories in two Copa America tournaments, in the Finalissima, and, of course, the 2022 World Cup, where he was named the best player of the tournament. Now he is carrying Argentina to the second World Cup. And if Messi and co manage to deal with the powerful Spanish team in the final, the debate about the greatest player in history can be ended.

2nd place — Gabriel Batistuta (retired)

Matches for the national team: 78.

Goals: 55.

Average goal rate per match: 0.71.

Gabriel Batistuta, known by the nickname "Batigol", was Argentina's main weapon in the 90s. He was distinguished by his phenomenal efficiency and ability to score in the most difficult situations. Batistuta scored in three consecutive World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002). He was the leader of the attack and the player who could always be relied upon in a critical moment. Batistuta's image is still associated with the classic strength and pressure of an Argentinian forward.

3rd place — Sergio Agüero (retired)

Matches for the national team: 101.

Goals: 41.

Average goal rate per match: 0.41.

Sergio Agüero combined speed, technique, and goal instinct, which made him one of the most dangerous strikers of his generation. He regularly scored in key matches, including Copa America games and qualifiers. Agüero was not only efficient, but also a team player, capable of playing in different positions in the attack. Yes, due to health problems, he had to retire before the victorious 2022 World Cup. However, he was part of that championship Argentina team from a mental point of view.

4th place — Lautaro Martínez (still playing)

Matches for the national team: 84.

Goals: 40.

Average match productivity: 0.48.

Martinez is the main striking force of the new generation of the national team. Lautaro is known for his tenacity, ability to latch onto difficult balls, and perform a colossal amount of dirty work in pressing. Lautaro regularly scored crucial goals, including in the victorious Copa America tournaments. Despite criticism, it's hard to imagine that without the Inter forward, Lionel Scaloni's team would have been able to win all international tournaments from 2021 to 2024.

5th place — Hernan Crespo (retired)

National team matches: 64.

Goals: 35.

Average match productivity: 0.55.

Hernan Crespo was known for his ability to be in the right place at the right time and finish attacks with high efficiency. He played for the national team during a time of strong competition and still remained one of the main scorers. Crespo scored in matches against top teams and often saved the team in difficult situations. His versatility allowed coaches to use him in different schemes, and his goals often became decisive.

6th place — Diego Maradona (retired)

National team matches: 90.

Goals: 33.

Average match productivity: 0.37.

It's hard to talk about Maradona in dry numbers. His contribution to the national team is measured not only in goals, but in the emotions he gave. His two legendary goals against England in the 1986 World Cup are still dissected frame by frame, but more importantly, he was able to make the impossible possible. When it seemed that the match was already lost, Maradona switched on his special mode and pulled the team out literally on his own. He didn't just score - he ignited belief in his teammates that they could beat even the strongest. And he won.

7th place — Gonzalo Higuain (retired)

National team matches: 75.

Goals: 31.

Average match productivity: 0.41.

Gonzalo Higuain was a consistent and productive forward who regularly scored for the national team over many years. He was known for his ability to play in the penalty area and finish attacks after crosses and shots. Yes, he was not destined to win major titles in the national team jersey. But despite the pressure and criticism, Gonzalo remained an important link in the attack and contributed to the team's successes.

8th place — Angel Di Maria (still playing)

National team matches: 145.

Goals: 31.

Average match productivity: 0.21.

Angel Di Maria is that player about whom they say in Argentina: "He doesn't always score, but when he does, it changes everything". He doesn't have the most impressive goal statistics, but in his collection— those very balls that are etched in memory forever. Like, for example, the goal in the final of the Copa America 2021: tension hung in the air as if it could be touched, and Angel removed it with one precise strike. Or in the World Cup 2022 final against France (one of the most beautiful combinations at that tournament). Yes, due to his age, Angel has already ended his career in the national team. Although there is a feeling that at the World Cup 2026, the veteran could still have made a splash.

9th place — Leopoldo Luque (retired)

Matches for the national team: 41.

Goals: 21.

Average effectiveness per match: 0.51.

Luque was a forward who did not strive to be the center of attention, but it was his goals that helped Argentina move forward. At the 1978 World Cup, he did not shout about himself, but confidently did his job: he fought, opened up, scored. In that team, he was not a star, but a support - and sometimes such a role turns out to be the most important. His goals were simple, workmanlike, but it was they that added up to victories that the country still remembers.

10th place — Daniel Passarella (retired)

Matches for the national team: 65.

Goals: 21.

Average effectiveness per match: 0.32.

Passarella is a unique example of a defender who made it into the list of Argentina's top scorers. Despite his defensive position, he regularly joined the attacks and skillfully executed set pieces - especially penalties and free kicks. Passarella was the captain of the national team at the victorious 1978 World Cup. And, undoubtedly, he is one of the most respected players in his homeland.