Soccer
Even though Lionel Messi is without any doubt Argentina’s biggest star, he’s not the most valuable player from his country.
By Martín O’Donnell
Updated on September 23, 2023 10:22AM EDT
Updated on September 23, 2023 10:22AM EDT
© Marcelo Endelli/Getty ImagesLionel Messi
Lionel Messi is the best player Argentina have produced in years. The Rosario-born winger silenced his doubters in the last few years with the national team, taking the country to glory in the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup.
At 36, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to be the most impactful player of La Albiceleste. That’s why Lionel Scaloni and his teammates want to convince Leo to play in the 2026 World Cup.
With Messi on the field, Argentina will always have more chances to succeed. However, the three-time world champions can also count on other players, as some of them already are more valuable than their captain.
Seven Argentine players worth more than Messi
According to Transfermarkt, Lionel Messi’s market value is €35 million. There are seven Argentine players worth more than him: Lautaro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Cristian Romero, Julian Alvarez, Lisandro Martinez, and Rodrigo de Paul.
Lautaro Martinez – €85 millionEnzo Fernandez – €80 millionAlexis Mac Allister – €65 millionCristian Romero – €60 millionJulian Alvarez – €60 millionLisandro Martinez – €50 millionRodrigo de Paul – €40 million
This is not exactly a surprise, since age is an important factor when it comes to determine the market value of any player. Besides, there’s a reason why Argentina won the last World Cup. Messi may have taken the spotlight, he didn’t do it on his own.
How many goals has Lionel Messi scored at Qatar 2022?
Lionel Messi helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup by scoring seven goals, four of them from the penalty spot.
Martín is a journalist with a degree in Communications who has been a sports writer for Bolavip US since February 2021. Besides writing daily news (soccer, NFL, NBA) or previews, he covers Conmebol, UEFA, and Concacaf competitions during international breaks.