Messi is an example, the player who rejected a world power to choose Argentina

When the captain of Inter Miami was a teenager, he rejected the Spanish National Team and opted for his country.

04/11/2023, 12:33 AM +00:00

The Italian National Team has been going through a crisis in recent years. With 4 World Cups throughout its history, the Azzurra is one of the most football-loving nations in the world. Although they won the last European Cup, Italy suffered 2 big blows by not having qualified for the last 2 World Cups. To try to get out of the sporting hole, Italy is nationalizing players who can stand out, as happened with Mateo Retegui.

'Chapita' was incorporated by Genoa of the Italian league. The now forward of the Italian National Team was sold from Tigre, but half of the transfer belonged to Boca, which generated an income of around 10 million dollars to the coffers of the riverside club. The Victoria team and Boca were partners in the sale of the forward to Serie A, one of the highest level football leagues in the world. Now, another Argentine talent is targeted by the 'tanos'.

The coach who replaced Roberto Mancini in the Italian National Team, Luciano Spaletti, showed interest in Matías Soulé, as reported at the time by journalist César Merlo. The one born in Mar del Plata 20 years ago is taken into account by Lionel Scaloni. However, he is still eligible for the Azzurra and the Italian coach pressured him to lean towards the European team, but in the first instance it was expected that the young promise wants to play for the Albiceleste, something he has just confirmed in his own words.

Soulé's choice

Matías Soulé had the option of playing for a world football power like Italy. However, the player with a past in the Vélez Sarsfield youth team seems to follow in the footsteps of the main reference of the Argentine national team: Lionel Messi. The 'Pulga' could have played for Spain, but he chose to do so for his native country. Now, Soulé himself confessed that he rejected Italy.

"I spoke with Spalletti, I told him the truth, Italy wants to call me up, but the reality is that I feel Argentine. I thanked him because he loved me, but I'm waiting for Argentina, my heart always tells me Argentina," the player admitted to Mediaset from Juventus who is on loan in Frosinone.