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Argentina and Spain share a long footballing relationship, with some of the Latin American giants’ most famous players plying their trade in La Liga. Starting with 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 firm never-say-die attitude, something that has also entered La Roja’s DNA.TOI takes a look at Argentina’s best players at Spanish clubs who are now looking to undo Spain in the race for their second World Cup title.LIONEL MESSIThe boy from Rosario is synonymous with FC Barcelona. Joining La Masia’s academy aged 13 in 2000, he 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 for Spain when he was a youngster, but Messi chose to play for Argentina.RODRIGO DE PAULOne of the team’s established members, the defensive midfielder spent four years at Atletico Madrid between 2021-25. Having transferred from the Italian club Udinese, De Paul quickly established himself as one of the most reliable midfielders in the team of Argentine great Diego Simeone and gave a painful moment to the Spanish and European elite. He is now at Inter Miami.GIOVANNI LO CELSODespite spending part of his career playing in England, Lo Celso’s time in Spain cannot be ignored. First moving to Real Betis on loan from PSG, the midfielder also played for Villarreal and has now returned to Manuel Pellegrini’s side who finished fifth and qualified for the Champions League this season.NAHUEL MOLINAMolina is one of Argentina’s most reliable defenders. Molina moved to Atletico 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 qualifiers against the Netherlands.JULIAN ALVAREZFollowing his move to Atletico Madrid in 2024 from Manchester City, the shining light of Argentina’s new era has won many games for Simeone’s side. His ability to break down tough defenses is something that has helped him become a mainstay for Atletico, 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 Atletico Madrid coach Diego, is another key member of the club who played an important role for Argentina against England. The right attacking midfielder combines the agility and flair that Atletico and Argentina have in common.GONZALO MONTIELThe defender, who scored the penalty to win Argentina the 2022 World Cup, spent four years at Sevilla, with whom he won the 2023 Europa League, beating 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 passage to the final.Other players with connections in 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 integral parts of Spanish club football.
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