The Argentina national team is already in the United States. The squad is based in Kansas City, awaiting the start of the FIFA World Cup, where their main objective will be to defend the title they won at Qatar 2022.

In the group stage, the South American side will face three tough opponents. The matches scheduled for this first phase are against Algeria (16 June), Austria (22 June) and Jordan (27 June).

The official delegation that travelled to the US comprises a squad of 26 players selected by the coaching staff. This group will aim to build on their strong form to replicate the success achieved at the previous World Cup.

Within this squad, five players stand out who have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or throughout their careers. Below, we review the history of each of them in relation to this prestigious award.

Argentina squad members who have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or

  • Lionel Messi

  • Lautaro Martínez

  • Emiliano Martínez

  • Alexis Mac Allister

  • Julián Álvarez

Lionel Messi, the most successful player in history

The captain of the Argentina national team is the player with the most nominations in the entire history of the Ballon d'Or. He has an impressive record of 16 appearances on the shortlist for the award.

Consequently, Messi is also the all-time record winner of this award. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been recognised and awarded the Ballon d'Or on eight separate occasions.

The Argentine footballer won the award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023. No player has ever won the Ballon d'Or more times than him in the history of football.

His record for the award is unique and sets an absolute record in the sport. He remains the leading figure in the Argentine squad and in world football ahead of this new competition.

Lautaro Martínez, a goalscorer with four nominations

The striker for the Argentina national team and Inter Milan has a total of four Ballon d’Or nominations (2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025). He is one of the most consistent Argentine players on the shortlist for this award in recent years.

His best result at the awards ceremony was finishing 7th in the final rankings for the 2024 edition, following a season in which he was instrumental for the national team that won the Copa América and for the Italian side that reached the Champions League final.

Throughout his four nominations, Lautaro has maintained a firm presence amongst the footballing elite. His current form cements his status as one of the top goalscorers of the moment.

Emiliano Martínez, the goalkeeper who made history

The Argentina national team goalkeeper has two Ballon d’Or nominations to his name (2023 and 2024). His inclusion on this list highlights his consistent performances for both Aston Villa and the Argentina national team.

His best-ever finish in the overall voting for the award was in the 2023 edition, when he reached 15th place. This placed him among the most highly rated players of that season.

In addition to his main nominations, 'Dibu' Martínez has a historic achievement at this awards ceremony: he is the winner of two consecutive Yashin Trophies, the specific award recognising the world’s best goalkeeper.

Alexis Mac Allister, a midfield mainstay

The Argentine midfielder has one official Ballon d’Or nomination to his name. This recognition came in the 2025 edition, following his excellent performances in English football whilst playing for Liverpool.

In that single appearance on the list of nominees, he managed to finish in 22nd place. It was an impressive result for his first experience competing against the world’s best.

Mac Allister continues to demonstrate consistent and reliable form in European football. His presence in midfield makes him a key player in the current Argentine team’s set-up ahead of the World Cup.

Julián Álvarez, the decisive Spider

The Atlético Madrid striker has also received one Ballon d’Or nomination to date. He was recognised in 2023, after shining with the Argentina national team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In the final vote by the experts, Álvarez managed to reach 7th place overall. This is his best-ever position and allowed him to enter the world’s top 10 directly in that edition.

His goal-scoring prowess at that World Cup and his rapid adaptation to European football were key factors in securing those votes. His rise to the elite was remarkable.

Today, he is one of the young players with the greatest attacking threat in the Argentina squad that travelled to the United States and will surely be vital to Lionel Scaloni’s team.