Ranking the Top 5 Argentinians to Play in a Clasico

Barcelona and Real Madrid have had the luxury of the best that Argentina has to offer playing in either of their ranks at various stages.

Some have clearly enjoyed the responsibility that comes with participating in one of world football's most high-profile games, others not so much.

Various names will live long in the memories of supporters at both the Santiago Bernabeu and Camp Nou, and this list is reserved for the very best Argentinians to play in an El Clasico fixture.

Let's take a look and remember to leave your comments in the section below.

5. Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona's stint at Barcelona was largely forgettable, but there were moments of genius provided by a man who was destined to become the world's best player.

Perhaps the best ever.

One of those came at the Santiago Bernabeu in the 1982/83 season when, through on goal, he took an age to round the 'keeper and then beat a defender on the goal line for good measure before slotting home.

Not quite yet at the peak of his powers, Real were still unable to contain the stocky Blaugrana No. 10.

4. Javier Mascherano

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Barcelona can always rely on Javier Mascherano in the big games.

Javier Mascherano is known as "El Jefecito" or the "Little Chief" with good reason.

Consistently good throughout his career, Masche appears to love the cut-and-thrust of an El Clasico match.

The bigger the pressure, the better he performs, frequently bossing his area of the pitch.

So many times in the past, game-saving tackles or marking opposition players out of the game have been a reason to ensure that Barcelona have taken the points and the plaudits.

He will continue to relish the battle.

3. Jorge Valdano

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Jorge Valdano went on to become Real Madrid's General Manager.

Jorge Valdano was an imposing forward of note, scoring 56 goals in just 120 games for Los Blancos, per Real Madrid's official website.

Valdano joined the club in 1984 and became a World Cup winner with Argentina during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Diagnosed with hepatitis B in 1987, he was eventually forced to retire as a player. However, he then went on to become a successful first-team manager at the club and eventually General Manager.

His legacy is therefore assured.

2. Alfredo Di Stefano

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Alfredo Di Stefano stood out on his own before Lionel Messi came on to the scene.

Quite possibly the greatest Real Madrid player to have ever played the game.

Certainly the best Argentinian—and by some distance, it must be said.

Alfredo Di Stefano played football in a bygone era. One where Los Blancos ruled the roost. His contribution was a major factor in Real securing the first five European Cups on offer, when the competition was in its infancy.

The word legend is bandied around all too readily nowadays, but it perfectly applies to Di Stefano.

He held the all-time scoring record in El Clasico fixtures until the arrival of Lionel Messi some 40 years after he'd packed his boots away for the final time.

1. Lionel Messi

Never really any doubt as to who was going to sit at the top of this particular list.

Lionel Messi has made this fixture his own ever since his debut Clasico in March 2007 when an incredible hat-trick denied Real Madrid all three points in a pulsating 3-3 draw.

Currently the leading scorer in these games, there have been too many highlights to name.

Of particular relevance was probably the 2011 Champions League semi final at the Santiago Bernabeu where Messi's two goals, including a spectacular mazy run right through the heart of Madrid's defence, was a huge factor in getting Barca to Wembley that year.

Who knows how many more El Clasicos this diminutive No. 10 will write his name across.