Buenos Aires – Former Boca Juniors midfielder Walter Erviti recently offered a surprising assessment of Matías Galarza Fonda, the Paraguayan player who had a brief stint with River Plate before moving to Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United. Erviti stated he believes Galarza is a more talented player than he was during his own career, a notable compliment given Erviti’s decorated history in Argentine football.
Galarza arrived at River Plate in July 2025, alongside Juan Carlos Portillo, in a joint negotiation with Talleres de Córdoba. River paid $3.5 million for 70% of Galarza’s rights, signing him to a contract through December 2028. However, his time with El Millonario was ultimately short-lived, as he didn’t consistently meet the club’s expectations. The midfielder’s departure came as a relief to some fans, particularly after a costly error in a crucial Torneo Clausura match contributed to River’s elimination.
Erviti Declares Galarza the Superior Player
The surprising praise came during a segment with streamer Farid Kamu, where Erviti participated in a rapid-fire question session. When Galarza’s name was mentioned, Erviti responded simply, “Me gusta” – “I like him.” This seemingly brief statement carries weight considering Erviti’s own pedigree as a player who famously scored against River Plate in a Superclásico in 2012.
Despite efforts from then-River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo to retain Galarza, the player ultimately sought a move to Atlanta United to secure more consistent playing time ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he hopes to represent Paraguay. His transfer to MLS was structured as a loan deal with a mandatory purchase option of $3 million net for 50% of his rights.
Galarza’s Numbers at River Plate
During his time in Buenos Aires, Galarza accumulated 778 minutes across 14 appearances for River Plate. He didn’t register any goals or assists during his stint with the club. His final act as a River Plate player was a significant error during a match against Racing Club, which directly led to a goal for the opposition and contributed to their elimination from the Torneo Clausura. Whether he will ever return to wear the River Plate shirt remains uncertain.
Galarza’s move to Atlanta United represents a fresh start for the 24-year-old midfielder. He joins a team looking to build on its recent playoff appearances, and will be expected to contribute energy and intensity to the midfield, as described by Atlanta United’s Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson. The loan deal allows Galarza to gain valuable experience in a different league and potentially showcase his abilities on a larger stage.
The Paraguayan international has already made 13 appearances for his national team, scoring two goals and providing one assist since his debut in 2022. He played a role in Paraguay’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance in the tournament since 2010. His potential to feature alongside Atlanta United teammate Miguel Almirón at the World Cup adds another layer of intrigue to his move to MLS.
Atlanta United’s acquisition of Galarza continues a trend of South American signings under head coach Tata Martino, with Lucas Hoyos, Elías Baez, and Tomás Jacob also joining the club recently. The Five Stripes will be hoping that Galarza can make a significant impact as they aim to return to the upper echelons of MLS.
Galarza’s career has taken him to several clubs, including Olimpia, Vasco da Gama (both on loan and permanently), Coritiba FC, and Talleres. He has a total of 151 professional appearances, with 10 goals and 6 assists across all competitions. His experience in both Argentina and Brazil, as well as in Copa Libertadores, suggests he possesses the technical ability and tactical awareness to succeed in MLS.
The international transfer certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa are still pending, but once those are secured, Galarza will be eligible to make his debut for Atlanta United. Fans will be eager to witness how the young Paraguayan midfielder adapts to his new surroundings and contributes to the team’s success.
Atlanta United’s next match is scheduled for [insert date and time of next Atlanta United match, verified from official source], against [insert opponent, verified from official source] at [insert venue, verified from official source]. The arrival of Matías Galarza adds another intriguing element to the team’s prospects for the season.
