Argentina and Spain share a long football 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 the architecture of Spanish football. While some bring the best of Latin America, others send a strong never-say-die attitude, which is also embedded in La Roja’s DNA.TOI takes a look at the top Argentinian players in Spanish clubs who are now looking to spoil Spain for their second World Cup title.LIONEL MESSIThe boy from Rosario is synonymous with FC Barcelona. Joining the La Masia academy at the age of 13 in 2000, he spent 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 tried to force Messi to declare for Spain at a young age, but Messi chose to play in Argentina.RODRIGO DE PAULOne of the founders of the team, the defensive midfielder spent four years at Atletico Madrid between 2021-2025. After leaving Italian club Udinese, De Paul quickly established himself as one of the most reliable players in Diego Simeone’s Argentina team and gave the Spanish and European elite a tough time. He is at Inter Miami now.GIOVANNI LO CELSOAlthough he spent most of his time playing in England, Lo Celso’s achievements in Spain cannot be overlooked. Having previously moved to Real Betis on loan from PSG, the midfielder also played for Villarreal and is now back with Manuel Pellegrini’s side who finished fifth and qualified for the Champions League this season.NAHUEL MOLINAMolina is one of the most reliable players in Argentina. Molina moved to Atletico from Udinese. Under Simeone, Molina has been a key part of Atleti’s defence. He scored his first goal for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup QFs against the Netherlands.JULIAN ALVAREZAfter moving to Atletico Madrid in 2024 from Manchester City, the Argentine star of the new years has won many games for Simeone’s team. His ability to break through tight defenses is something that has helped him become a key player for Atletico, who are fighting tooth and nail to keep players at their club when Barcelona are dealing with him.GIULIANO SIMEONEGiuliano, the son of Atletico Madrid coach Diego, is another key member of the club who played a key role for Argentina against England. The right winger embodies the joy and excitement that is common to Atletico and Argentina.GONZALO MONTIELThe defender, who took the penalty to win the World Cup in Argentina in 2022, spent four years at Sevilla, and won the 2023 Europa League with him, beating Roma in the final. In the semifinal against England, he came on in the 71st minute and played a key role in Argentina making the final.Other players with La Liga links: Defenders Geronimo Rulli (Sociedad and Villarreal), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), Nico Paz (Castilla and Real Madrid), midfielders Thiago Almeda and Nico Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid) have been important parts of Spanish football.