Paris Saint-Germain have shown a knack for signing Argentine talent. So, who were the players from the land of tango that joined the French giants before Lionel Messi?

Mauricio Pochettino | 2001-2003

Mauricio Pochettino was the first Argentine player PSG signed in the 21st century. Coincidentally, he’s now the club’s head coach.

During his playing days, Pochettino spent two and a half seasons at PSG, making 95 appearances, scoring six goals, and winning a UEFA Intertoto Cup. He later stayed in France, joining Bordeaux.

Gabriel Heinze | 2001-2004

Valladolid was Heinze’s first European club, but PSG was where he truly made his mark.

Joining in the summer of 2001, Heinze quickly secured a regular spot at Parc des Princes. Over three seasons, he played 105 matches. His performances caught the eye of Manchester United, who signed him for £6.9 million in 2004.

Martin Cardetti | 2002-2003

After shining in Argentina’s domestic league, Cardetti joined PSG in the summer of 2003. His stint was brief, lasting just one season.

In that time, he played 21 matches and scored seven goals. His career didn’t see much progress afterward.

Juan Pablo Sorin | 2003-2004

In the summer of 2004, following an impressive half-season at Barcelona, Juan Pablo Sorin joined PSG on loan from Cruzeiro.

Though he spent only a year in Paris, the 1976-born defender won over fans. He claimed a Coupe de France title before returning to Cruzeiro.

Marcelo Gallardo | 2007-2008

At 31, Marcelo Gallardo made a surprise return to Europe, signing with PSG from River Plate.

PSG, struggling at the time, hoped the attacking midfielder would turn things around. However, Gallardo’s presence didn’t lift the team’s fortunes. After one season, he returned to River Plate.

Javier Pastore | 2011-2018

In the summer of 2011, PSG paid nearly €40 million to sign Pastore from Palermo. Over six seasons, he enjoyed significant success at Parc des Princes.

Pastore won 12 trophies, earned four Player of the Month awards, and was named to the Ligue 1 Team of the Season once. After the 2017/18 season, he moved to Roma in Italy.

Ezequiel Lavezzi | 2012-2016

One of PSG’s first signings under Qatari ownership, Lavezzi arrived with a big reputation after starring at Napoli.

Over four seasons, he excelled as an attacking force, scoring 35 goals and providing 24 assists in 161 matches. In early 2016, he joined China’s Hebei China Fortune to wind down his career.

Angel Di Maria | 2015-Present

After the 2015 Copa America, Angel Di Maria left Manchester United for PSG, with the French club paying £44 million for a four-year deal.

In Paris, the Argentine winger revived his career, becoming a cornerstone of the team. Approaching 300 appearances, he’s nearing 100 goals and has surpassed 100 assists, while winning 17 domestic titles.

Giovani Lo Celso | 2016-2019

Lo Celso joined PSG in the summer of 2016 but didn’t debut until April 2017.

The following season, he saw more game time but failed to convince coach Thomas Tuchel, who preferred Christopher Nkunku or Antoine Bernede. Lo Celso was loaned to Real Betis in 2018/19, and Betis later made the move permanent.

Leandro Paredes | 2019-Present

In early 2019, PSG signed Paredes to a four-and-a-half-year deal for €47 million. The midfielder initially struggled to adapt, often warming the bench, but has since settled in.

With PSG’s crowded midfield, Paredes continues to fight for a regular starting spot.

Mauro Icardi | 2019-Present

In the summer of 2019, Mauro Icardi joined PSG on loan from Inter, with the club later signing him permanently for €6.5 million.

Competing with stars like Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Angel Di Maria, and now Lionel Messi, Icardi has held his own when given chances, scoring 36 goals in 75 matches.

Lionel Messi | 2021-Present

Last summer, PSG pulled off a coup by signing one of the greatest players ever. With Messi in the squad, the club is determined to conquer Europe after years of near-misses.

However, Messi’s early days in Paris have been rocky. Coach Mauricio Pochettino has yet to find the right system to unleash the world’s most fearsome attacking trio—Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe. The Argentine superstar has struggled to adapt to Ligue 1, compounded by injuries and a bout with Covid-19.