This is the Youngest Argentinian Football Player to Ever Join the National Team: A World Legend!

Facundo Buonatte emerged as a young Argentinian star, making his debut in the Indonesia vs. Argentina national team match on Monday, June 19, 2023.

Initially, the 18-year-old midfielder was projected to play with the Argentina U20 national team in the 2023 U20 World Cup. After missing the U20 World Cup, Buonatte was instead fielded by Lionel Scaloni as a starter for the Argentinian national team against Indonesia.

Facundo Buonatte is not the only young player to join the Argentinian national team.

According to Transfermarkt data, Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona joined La Albiceleste at a young age.

The player nicknamed "Hand of God" joined in 1977 at the age of 16 years and 3 months, making him the youngest ever debutant for the country. Maradona's fame grew after leading the Argentinian national team to victory in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

Then there's Jorge Cecchi, who joined Argentina at 17 years and 6 months old in December 1980.

Alejandro Debole also joined the Argentinian national team at a young age, at 18 years and 8 days old in December 1980.

Here are the 10 youngest Argentinian national team players based on their age at debut:

1. Diego Maradona: 16 years 3 months
2. Jorge Cecchi: 17 years 6 months
3. Alejandro Debole: 18 years 8 days
4. Adolfo Heisinger: 18 years 1 month
5. Juan Sarnari: 18 years 1 month
6. Lionel Messi: 18 years 1 month
7. Diego Simeone: 18 years 2 months
8. Sergio Aguero: 18 years 3 months
9. Emanuel Mammana: 18 years 3 months
10. Alberto Tarantini: 18 years 4 months

(Also read: Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi: The Top Argentinian Scorers of All Time)