We take a look at Argentina's outstanding playmakers down the years.
We take a look at Argentina's outstanding playmakers
Osvaldo Ardiles
Former Tottenham star Ardiles was an extremely gifted midfielder back in his heyday. He featured over 60 times for his nation, with 11 of those appearances coming at the 1978 and 1982 World Cups. He claimed glory at the former while he scored at the latter.
Sergio Batista
Batista was a battling defensive midfielder who helped Argentina lift the World Cup trophy in 1986. He was also called upon to represent his nation on the world stage four years later, but Argentina failed to retain their crown.
Daniel Bertoni
Bertoni was a brilliant right winger who shone for Argentina at their successful participation at the 1978 World Cup. He scored twice at said tournament, with one of those strikes coming in the 3-1 final win over Holland. He added a further two World Cup goals to his tally four years later.
Jorge Burruchaga
Burruchaga is a legendary Argentina midfielder who scored his nation's winning goal in their 3-2 final win over the Germans in the 1986 World Cup final. He also finished as a runner-up four years later, managing a total 14 World Cup appearances, netting three times.
Hector Enrique
Enrique emerged as an Argentina hero at the 1986 World Cup after he was handed an opportunity in the 2-1 quarter-final win over England. He was then selected in the semi-finals before playing against Germany as the Argentines claimed glory in Mexico City.
Juan Evaristo
Evaristo was a member of Argentina's first ever World Cup squad which finished as runners-up in 1930. He played in four matches at the tournament, including the 4-2 final loss against hosts Uruguay.
Manuel Ferreira
Ferreira captained Argentina at the inaugral World Cup hosted in Uruguay back in 1930. He played in four matches as the Argentines lost to the hosts in the final, suffering a 4-2 defeat in Montevideo.
Americo Gallego
Gallega was a central midfielder who played a key role in helping Argentina claim World Cup glory in 1978. Indeed, he was part of the team that marched to the final before seeing off Holland on homesoil. He also featured at the 1982 tournament.
Ricardo Giusti
Giusti made a total of 10 World Cup appearances, winning seven of those matches. The solid midfielder made his bow on the world stage in 1986 as Argentina were triumphant, beating the Germans in the final. Four years later Giusti was sent off in the semi-final win over Italy and ultimately missed the final due to suspension.
Rene Houseman
Houseman was a talented right winger who played at two separate World Cup finals. He scored three goals at the 1974 tournament, despite his nation struggling. The four years later he struck once more in the 6-0 win over Peru as his nation reached the final. He came on as a substitute in the showpiece win over Holland.
Julio Olarticoechea
Olarticoechea was a member of Argentina's World Cup winning side in 1986 as he appeared in his side's final three matches in the knockout stage. He also played at the 1990 tournament, featuring five times in Italy.
Oscar Alberto Ortiz
Ortiz helped Argentina claim their first World Cup title in 1978. He played four times at the tournament hosted on his homesoil as the South American giants saw off Holland in the final after extra-time.
Carlos Peucelle
Peucelle was a supremely gifted footballer who operated on the right flank and boasted dazzling technique. Indeed, the attack-minded player helped fire his nation to a runners-up berth at the 1930 World Cup, scoring three times in four appearances.
Diego Simeone
Simeone is a defensive midfielder who recorded over 100 appearances for his nation, while appearing at three separate World Cup finals. He reached the quarter-finals at the 1998 competition, having infamously playing a part in David Beckham's seconding off in the last-16 penalty shoot-out win over England.
Francisco Varallo
Varallo was an impressive forward-thinking player who operated as an 'inside right'. He was part of Argentina's squad which finished as runners-up at the 1930 World Cup, scoring once in the 6-3 group stage win over Mexico.
Juan Veron
Cultured midfielder Veron has played at two World Cup finals and is set to play at his third this summer. He has previously featured in the 1998 and 2002 tournaments, tallying eight appearances and captaining his nation at the latter. He has been selected in manager Diego Maradona's 23-man squad for South Africa.
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