After Lionel Messi extended netted a sensational World Cup hat-trick against Algeria, we've taken a look at Argentina's top international goalscorers of the modern era.
Lionel Scaloni's side kicked off their defence of World Cup in the early hours of Wednesday morning in Kansas City as they took on Algeria in their Group J opener.
As he has been so many times since he made his senior debut for La Albiceleste more than two decades ago, Messi was the talisman as Argentina stormed to victory.
On his 200th international appearance, Messi once again carried the nation on his shoulders, netting the 11th hat-trick of his international career in a 3-0 victory.
In doing so, the Inter Miami star drew level with Germany's Miroslav Klose for the most goals in World Cup history, a record that he may well claim as his own before the tournament in North America comes to a close.
While Messi is undoubtedly one of the greatest players ever to grace the pitch, Argentina have been blessed with countless elite talents over recent decades.
The nation claimed World Cup glory for the first time on home soil in 1978, before adding a second star above their crest thanks in large part to the brilliance of Diego Maradona eight years later.
But who are the country's top scorers born since 1954? Read on to find out.
Argentina’s top scorers born since 1954
- 10. Juan Roman Riquelme (1997-2008) - 17
- 9. Mario Kempes (1973-1982) - 20
- 8. Angel Di Maria (2008-2024) - 31
- 7. Gonzalo Higuain (2009-2018) - 31
- 6. Diego Maradona (1977-1994) - 34
- 5. Hernan Crespo (1995-2007) - 35
- 4. Lautaro Martinez (2018-present) - 37*
- 3. Sergio Aguero (2006-2021) - 41
- 2. Gabriel Batistuta (1991-2002) - 56
- 1. Lionel Messi (2005-present) - 120*
*Figures correct as of 17 June
