Argentina’s national football team appears poised for continued dominance, even without legends Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María. Emerging star Thiago Almada has stepped up, proving he could fill Di María’s shoes as the Albiceleste prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
In a recent match against Colombia, 24-year-old attacking midfielder dazzled outwitting defenders to score and showcasing versatility across both wings and the attacking third.
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Almada’s ability to penetrate opposition defenses from the flanks and contribute in forward roles has drawn comparisons to Di María. Whose retirement left a void in Argentina’s squad.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni strategically introduced Almada, a product of Argentina’s talent pipeline, to address this gap. With 10 international caps and four goals already Almada has secured his spot in the senior team.
His performances signal readiness for the global stage, where Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, aim to retain their title.
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“Almada brings dynamism and creativity,” Scaloni said, highlighting his potential to step in, even if Messi doesn’t play full matches. Playing for French club Olympique, Almada balances national team duties with fierce competition in Ligue 1. Sharpening his skills for the high-pressure World Cup environment.
While the tournament will test Argentina’s depth as defending champions, Almada’s rise, alongside players like Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández, underscores the team’s strength. Expectations are high, but pressure looms for Almada in a pivotal role. A standout World Cup performance could catapult him into the global spotlight, much like Álvarez post-2022.
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Argentina’s camp exudes confidence, with a squad built to handle any challenge. As Scaloni fine-tunes his strategy, Almada’s flair could prove key to sustaining the Albiceleste’s reign.