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Football is followed fervently in Argentina, with the game occupying a crucial position in the heart of the nation's citizens.
Some of the greatest players to have played the game have emerged from the country. The atmosphere during games is heralded as being among the best in the entire world, and football has often acted as an antidote to various other happenings in the country.
Jonathan Wilson's book, "Angels With Dirty Faces: The Footballing History of Argentina" is an enthralling read on the history of Argentine football and how the sport has a massive say in the country.
While Argentina have tasted little success on the international stage in recent years, the country continues to produce talented footballers who are playing for some of the biggest clubs in the world.
The 5 greatest footballers to emerge from Argentina
#5 Daniel Passarella
Considered to be one of the greatest defenders of all time, Daniel Passarella was the captain of the Argentina side that won the FIFA World Cup in 1978.
A strong centre-back with an excellent goalscoring record, Passarella made his name in club football with River Plate, scoring an eye-watering 90 goals in 226 appearances. Renowned for his leadership ability, the Argentine was highly appreciated for his ability to contribute to both ends of the field.
Passarella won two World Cups with Argentina. At club level, the defender enjoyed stints in Italy with Fiorentina and Inter Milan, apart from his two spells with River Plate. He made 70 appearances for the Argentina national team, and scored 22 goals.
Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for England | UEFA Euro 2020
#4 Gabriel Batistuta
One of the greatest strikers of all time, Gabriel Batistuta enjoyed a phenomenal career for both club and country.
At club level, Batistuta is well-remembered for his days with Fiorentina, where he made 333 appearances in all competitions and scored 207 goals. A consistent goalscorer at the top level, the striker made 77 appearances for the Argentina national team and scored 54 goals and was his country's all-time leading goalscorer before being overtaken by Lionel Messi.
Nicknamed "Batigol" for his prowess in front of goal, Batistuta also made appearances for River Plate, Boca Junior and Roma. He retired in 2005 after two years with Al-Arabi.
Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for England | UEFA Euro 2020
#3 Omar Sivori
A prolific goalscorer like Gabriel Batistuta, Omar Sivori was highly regarded due to his technical skills and creativity.
Like Passarella, Sivori made his name at River Plate, but it was his eight-year spell with Juventus that catapulted him to fame. The Argentine made 317 appearances in all competitions and scored 168 goals for the Old Lady, and was known for his ability to nutmeg opposition players.
Sivori made just 19 appearances for the Argentina senior side, but managed to score nine goals. He also made nine appearances for the Italy national team, and scored eight goals for the Azzurri. After retirement, he embarked on a coaching career and managed the Argentina national team for a year.
#2 Diego Maradona
Probably the greatest player to have played the game, Diego Armando Maradona was one of the most recognisable faces from the world of football.
A prodigious talent, Maradona achieved fame as a 12-year-old ball boy. He was spectacular for Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors in Argentina, and a football-crazy nation pinned their hopes on Maradona as they sought success on the international stage.
Maradona led an extremely controversial lifestyle, but also managed to achieve a lot on the football field. A diminutive forward with exceptional ball control, the Argentine led his country to World Cup glory in 1986, while at club level his best spell came with Napoli in Italy. The club's stadium in Naples is named after him.
#1 Lionel Messi
Diego Maradona's heir apparent, Lionel Messi is often regarded by many as the greatest player of all time. The comparisons with Maradona have not stopped, having begun when Messi showed his capabilities at a tender age for Barcelona.
Messi, like Maradona, has a low centre of gravity and supreme skill on the ball. He is Barcelona's greatest ever player, the club's talisman and leader. The 33-year old has made 778 appearances in all competitions for the Camp Nou outfit, scoring 672 goals and providing 305 assists.
Despite being Argentina's all-time top goalscorer, Messi has had his fair share of critics at the international level. His inability to lead Argentina to success at an international tournament has not been well received, and comparisons with Maradona often boil down to this single point.
However, there is no denying Messi's other-worldly talent and his numerous achievements for club and country.
Also Read: Copa America 2021: 5 players who can outshine Lionel Messi at the tournament
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