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The Argentina football team scripted history when they won the Copa America 2021, beating Brazil 1-0 in the elusive final. La Albiceleste was a transformed unit under Lionel Scaloni and never looked like a side dependent on their talisman Lionel Messi like they usually do.
The squad showed grit, determination and cohesion throughout the Copa America 2021 and emerged as the newest footballing icons of the South American nation.
The Argentina squad had the perfect blend of youth and experience, with many of them being amongst the best paid footballers on the planet. Without further ado, let us dive right into the most valuable players from the current Argentina side.
#5 Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) - €35 million
Emiliano Martinez became a hero of the sport overnight after making three saves in sensational fashion for Argentina against Colombia in the shoot-out of the Copa America semi-final. His consistency throughout the tournament also led him to the best goalkeeper award as well.
Martinez started in the Arsenal youth system before joining Aston Villa last year. He already has plenty of experience in English football which made him stand out amongst the Argentine national team. He won the Aston Villa Supporters' Player of the Season award for the 2020-21 season, due to his record-equalling 15 cleansheets in his first season with the club.
Martinez's recent exploits with the Argentina senior team have only raised his stock even further. If he does enjoy another stellar Premier League season, some of the big clubs could take serious notice and even attempt to lure him away from Villa Park.
#4 Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid) - €40 million
Angel Correa will take on the upcoming La Liga season as defending champion after helping Atletico Madrid lift their first league title since 2014 last term.
The Argentine played a vital role in Diego Simeone's system during the title-winning campaign, especially down the right wing, scoring nine goals and registering eight assists.
Correa's versatility in the attacking areas proved handy for Scaloni's Argentina as well in the Copa America. His playing style is comparable to Carlos Tevez, who also liked to burst with pace instantly to outfox the opposition defenders.
The 26-year-old's exploits at the Copa America helped Lionel Messi substantially en route to winning his first major international trophy with Argentina.
#3 Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid) - €40 million
Rodrigo De Paul made all the headlines in the footballing world after his exquisite performance in midfield for Argentina during the Copa America in 2021.
But even before tasting continental glory, De Paul had already made a name for himself as a versatile midfielder in Serie A for Udinese. The Argentine, who is primarily a defensive midfielder, can shift to the right side of the midfield and take up the left-wing position as well.
In fact, it was De Paul's long ball that set up Angel Di Maria for the sole goal in the Copa America 2021 final. De Paul physically dominated opponents in the Copa America, which was pivotal to Argentina's continental success.
Riding on the back of his excellent display, Argentina thrived in the middle of the park during their journey to continental glory.
#2 Lautaro Martinez (Inter) - €80 million
Lautaro Martinez had a fantastic Copa America, which was reflective of his constant goal scoring ability at club level in Italy with Inter. The forward went into the tournament on the back of an admirable season in Serie A, where he netted 17 goals and notched up 10 assists.
Martinez carried his form to the Copa America and netted three goals in six games. He was the second-most prolific striker in the competition for Argentina after Lionel Messi.
Due to his excellent performances, the 23-year-old forward has been linked with a move to the Premier League. Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be leading the chase for his signature, but he won't come cheap as his market value suggests.
#1 Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain) - €80 million
Lionel Messi's unprecedented move to PSG has not deterred the transfer market value of the little magician. Messi was at his finest in the recently concluded Copa America, scoring four goals and registering five assists for Argentina.
The former Barcelona captain finally ended his drought for a major international trophy by lifting the nation's 15th Copa America title.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner also had a decent CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying campaign as well with two goals in six fixtures for Argentina.
Messi is all set to begin the latest chapter of his professional career at PSG after FC Barcelona failed to retain his services due to financial constraints.
