While Neymar leaves something to be desired on the field, between criticism and frustrated expectations in Brazil, a new Argentine talent in the midst of Botafogo emerges: Thiago Almada. Although the game against Ecuador is just to fulfill table – Argentina leads the 38 points, ten ahead of Brazil – attention is aimed at the young midfielder, who is already seen as the possible heir to Messi in the national team.
Thiago Almada will have the honor of wearing Argentina’s shirt 10 in the match against Ecuador, on Tuesday (9), in Quito, for the last round of the qualifiers.
Thiago Almada: The New Argentine Star
Almada did not need much time to stand out. Summoned just two months after debuting for Botafogo, the midfielder has scored two goals for the club and three in the qualifiers.
In the 1-1 draw against Colombia at the Monumental de Núñez, Almada shone: he dodged opponents and scored the goal that secured the point for the Hermanos, even with Argentina playing one less since the 25 minutes of the second half. The international press, including the Spanish newspaper ASHe exalted his performance as a sign of promising talent.
In addition to gaining space in the selection, Almada also became a key piece in Eagle Football’s multi-club project, involving clubs such as Lyon and Crystal Palace.
The plan is that the midfielder introduces herself to Botafogo before heading to Europe, consolidating his trajectory as one of the most anticipated promises of Argentine football.
With the leadership guaranteed in the qualifiers and the classification guaranteed for the 2026 World Cup, Argentina now observes Almada carefully. The young midfielder looks ready to assume the legacy left by Messi, bringing hope and enthusiasm while Neymar continues to shine with the same intensity.
