Atlanta United forward Thiago Armada has been called up to Argentina’s World Cup squad to replace Joaquin Correa.
Argentina confirmed Thursday that Correa had to withdraw from the squad due to injury.
They said: “Joaquin Correa will also be released from the World Cup squad due to injury. “
Armada moved to Atlanta United last winter from Velez Sarsfield for $16 million, a record transfer fee in MLS. That move was overshadowed by allegations of sexual abuse at the time. He was among notable figures including then-Velez Sarsfield team-mate Miguel Brizuela and Juan José Acuna Derbene, formerly the coach of Second Division side Argentino de Quilmes. did.
Armada is an attacking player who can play both as a tempo-setting free-roaming No. 10 and as an aggressive ball carrier looking for goals.
In total, Armada has made 31 appearances for United in 2022, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists.
On Thursday, Argentina also announced that they have called forward Angel Correa to replace Nicolas Gonzalez in the World Cup squad after the latter suffered a muscle injury.
Argentina will face Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the World Cup in Qatar on November 22nd.
How long is Thiago Armada’s call-up?
When Armada moved to Atlanta, it was clear that he wanted to replicate the launch pad that the MLS club provided Miguel Almiron.
Though compatriot Ezequiel Barco failed to adapt and spent a year on loan at River Plate, Armada scored six goals and seven assists in 29 league games, earning him MLS Rookie of the Year honors. His outstanding play and his recent national team exposure means the Armada’s days in the MLS are few and far between. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaroni told the Armada that he hopes to play in Europe’s top five leagues.
Naturally, adding a World Cup roster to a country as attractive as Argentina would only increase his value in the market, on top of MLS performance. He’s locked in until December 2025, so his contract adds a bit to his price tag as well.
Could Almada beat Newcastle United to the $27 million MLS record reported by Miguel Almiron?
– Jeff Reuter
Deeper
World Cup 2022 Group C guide: fast start for Argentina, aging Mexico, possession-shy Poland
(Photo: Getty Images)
