Alejandro “Papu” Gómez has signed with Forte Virtus in the second division of the United Arab Emirates, marking a new chapter for the 38-year-old World Cup champion after his departure from Italian side Calcio Padova, according to regional reports. The veteran attacking midfielder, who spent 16 years competing in European football, enters this fresh career phase following a two-year suspension for a positive doping test involving terbutalina that interrupted his professional continuity.
An Exotic Middle Eastern Move at 38
The veteran creator arrived in Dubai to finalize his contract with Forte Virtus, transitioning out of Italian Serie B competition where he had recently featured for Calcio Padova. Gómez completed a two-year ban on October 18, 2025, returning to competitive play on November 22, 2025, during a fixture between Padova and Venezia following 776 days away from official matches, according to sporting coverage. That return followed a disciplinary sanction stemming from a pre-tournament doping control administered ahead of the Qatar World Cup.
Absence from Lionel Messi’s Farewell Match
While nearly every member of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad is slated to gather at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires for Lionel Messi’s national team farewell match against Benin, Gómez is the sole exception among the 26 players who captured the title in the Middle East. Reports note that although officials extended invitations to the entire championship contingent, the midfielder will not be present at the Buenos Aires venue.
During the historic campaign in Qatar, Gómez made two appearances for manager Lionel Scaloni’s squad. He started in the opening match against Saudi Arabia and subsequently appeared as a substitute during the round of 16 victory over Australia, before a right ankle injury sidelined him for the decisive knockout rounds. Despite those physical setbacks, he retains the distinction of contributing to Argentina’s third world championship star.
Post-World Cup Tension and Career Trajectory
Following the tournament in Doha, Gómez was not recalled to the Albiceleste by Scaloni. Although public speculation across social media platforms frequently pointed toward potential friction between the player and several squad leaders, none of the principals confirmed an official dispute. In March 2023, an intended call-up for friendlies against Panama and Curazao was canceled because Sevilla did not release the player while he underwent rehabilitation for his persistent right ankle injury, leaving him absent from the team’s initial homecoming celebrations in Argentina.
Gómez’s subsequent career path took him away from top-flight European competition, leading ultimately to his stint in Italy’s Serie B with Padova and now to his new venture in the United Arab Emirates. As Forte Virtus prepares for its upcoming league fixtures, the Argentine playmaker aims to prolong his professional career in Asia.
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