Since 2007 and for more than ten years, the Argentina national team was defined by appearances from its most capped players under the steady leadership of Javier Zanetti. His era ended after Argentina’s 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia, when Javier Mascherano stepped forward as the enduring mainstay, marking a 15-year stretch as a central reference for the squad.
With the Jefecito stepping back from international duty after reaching 147 caps, Lionel Messi moved past him in a group stage victory over Bolivia during the Copa America 2021. Although coach Lionel Scaloni fielded a largely rotated lineup, he still celebrated Messi reaching 148 appearances since his first cap in 2005.
Ángel Di María remains the other still-active member among the top record-holders. He sits fourth in the all-time list and appears unlikely to reach Zanetti’s total if retirement follows after the Qatar period.
The following list chronicles the players who have worn the Argentina national team jersey the most—from their first match in history through the clash with France on December 18, 2022:
10. DIEGO MARADONA (1977 – 1994): 91 MATCHES
9. SERGIO ROMERO (2007 – 2018): 96 MATCHES
8. OSCAR RUGGRI (1983 – 1994): 97 MATCHES
7. SERGIO AGÜERO (2016 – 2021): 100 MATCHES
6. DIEGO SIMEONE (1988 – 2002): 104 MATCHES
5. ROBERTO AYALA (1994 – 2007): 114 MATCHES
4. ÁNGEL DI MARÍA (2008 – PRESENT): 132 MATCHES*
*Excluding the match against Brazil on 9/5/21, suspended for five minutes in the first half and then canceled by FIFA.
3. JAVIER ZANETTI (1994 – 2011): 143 MATCHES
2. JAVIER MASCHERANO (2003 – 2018): 147 MATCHES
1. LIONEL MESSI (2005 – PRESENT): 173 MATCHES*
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* Excluding the match against Brazil on 9/5/21, suspended five minutes into the first half and then canceled by FIFA.