Since 2007, for more than ten years the Argentina national team has featured a group of players who stood out for their consistency. Javier Zanetti led that era, guiding the squad with his longevity. His era ended after Argentina’s run in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and Javier Mascherano became the solitary leader in appearances after 15 straight years as a key influence.
With the Jefecito no longer active for the Albiceleste and at 147 caps, Lionel Messi moved ahead of Mascherano in a Group Stage clash against Bolivia during the Copa America 2021. Although coach Lionel Scaloni fielded a largely alternate lineup, the captain was still on the field for his 148th appearance, his first coming in 2005.
Ángel Di María remains another veteran on the list, currently standing in fourth place and still active, though unlikely to catch Zanetti if retirement follows the Qatar edition of the tournament.
This is a roster of the players who have logged the most appearances wearing the Argentina national team shirt, from the team’s first game through the match against 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
*A match against Brazil on September 5, 2021 was suspended for five minutes in the first half and later canceled by FIFA.
3. JAVIER ZANETTI 1994 – 2011: 143 MATCHES
2. JAVIER MASCHERANO 2003 – 2018: 147 MATCHES
1. LIONEL MESSI 2005 – PRESENT: 173 MATCHES
The information reflects the record through the Argentina vs France match on December 18, 2022, and is compiled from historical reports in football archives.