ATLANTA, GEORGIA— When asked about the choice of Atlanta United midfielder Thiago Almada in the roster for the World Cup in Qatar, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni indicated that Almada has “tremendous potential.”
Is Almada’s call-up surprising? Scaloni is asked. He is a player with the caliber to be on the national team, so I’m not surprised, and I hope the rest of football can enjoy it. He is a young man with a bright future. Almada was a last-minute replacement who took Joaquin Correa’s position on the World Cup squad.
The Atlanta United midfielder became a viable possibility for Argentina thanks to his impressive club play, which earned him the MLS Newcomer of the Year award, and a recent international showing. Almada made his senior international debut on September 23 after being called to Argentina for a pair of friendlies. Even Argentina captain Lionel Messi praised the 21-year-olds old’s in the 3-0 victory over Honduras.
The information is ground-breaking for MLS and Atlanta United. Almada is the first player still playing for Atlanta United to represent his nation at a World Cup. He also becomes the first player from the MLS to play for Argentina in the competition.
In the competition, Argentina joins Group C, which also features Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland.
