Thiago Almada joined Argentina’s World Cup roster as one of the final players on Lionel Scaloni’s roster and the Atlanta United playmaker joined a slim list of MLS players to run the table in the tournament’s history.
Almada became the first active MLS player to win the FIFA World Cup following Argentina’s 4-2 penalty shootout victory over defending winners France. La Albiceleste played out a 3-3 draw with Les Bleus through 120 minutes, but captured a third World Cup trophy in their history by defeating France in penalties.
The 21-year-old attacker only played six minutes in Qatar, but has enjoyed a meteoric rise with the national team in just three months. Almada made his senior debut for Argentina in September and was called into Scaloni’s final World Cup roster following two midfield injuries.
A Velez Sarsfield product, Almada made an instant impact in MLS in 2022, winning the league’s Newcomer of the Year award. Almada was one of the few bright spots for Atlanta United, scoring six goals and adding 12 assists as the Five Stripes missed the playoffs.
Almada joins former MLS and international stars Bastian Schweinsteiger, Kaka, Thierry Henry, and Andrea Pirlo among the list of MLS players to win the World Cup.
He now enters a winter break before beginning
“Almada joins former MLS and international stars Bastian Schweinsteiger, Kaka, Thierry Henry, and Andrea Pirlo among the list of MLS players to win the World Cup.”
The others players won their World Cup long before they retired to MLS.
Almada is very different. Six minutes is not a lot but at least he got on a field and played in a World Cup. And he’s probably got future Argentina appearances ahead.
Dude will definitely be in Future Argentina squads. Fully expect him to be on Argentinas Olympic team if they qualify for it.
Correct. That list is a bit embarrassing to try and associate MLS. We’re past those days.