Girona's match against Real Madrid has produced Argentine goalscorer Castellanos, who has scored 11 goals in La Liga this season. Prior to joining Girona, Castellanos played for MLS side New York City, where he was one of many Argentine players pursuing the United States. In recent years, MLS has become an important choice for Argentine players, with a total of 36 Argentine players currently playing for MLS. The Argentines come here to play and it's a lot of good for them.
The United States, the land of countless young people's dreams
Winning the World Cup in 2022 has brought Argentine football to its peak in recent years, and the South American country's football talent has exploded, with many world-class players such as Messi and Di Maria. Almada, a young attacker who plays for Atlanta United in the United States, also lifted the Hercules Cup next to several big brothers, and the supernova chose MLS as his next stop after leaving his home country early last year, his decision came as a surprise to many, but it is also in line with the trend of recent years.
For Almada, choosing MLS is not without pursuit, but he needs a high salary to improve his life. As a child, Almada lived in poor conditions, his parents were busy with work, fostered him in his grandparents' house, and while playing football, he needed to make a small income by selling vegetables and milk. Growing up in poverty has given Almada a higher demand for salaries, and it is important for him that MLS teams can undoubtedly offer better treatment than the Argentine league.
At the same time, MLB matches may have more exposure and attention than South American matches, and young players from Argentina can compete here with players who have established themselves in Europe, such as Insigne, Shaqiri, Benteke and Bella, which can help them improve their level and give them more exposure. The level of competition in MLS is lower than that of the five major leagues, but it is definitely competitive, and for young players, the benefits of coming here are really many.
Now, Almada, who has played well in both Atlanta United and Argentina, has gained the attention of many European clubs, and there are media reports that he will complete the transfer for at least $30 million, which will break the transfer record of the MLS. In the future, as more and more MLS players shine in Europe, a virtuous circle will be formed, and the fertile soil of MLS will also become an important player transit station in European football.
Bringing in Argentine players, the Americans did not suffer
The large number of Argentine players choosing to play in the United States is also directly related to Argentina's own excellent football strength. In Argentina, there is a continuous emergence of outstanding young players in professional leagues, and many players who do not have opportunities at home can succeed after going abroad. Conca and Montillo, who played well in the Chinese Super League, are both famous in the Brazilian league.
The fast-growing MLS has a high demand for high-quality players, and the well-known stars introduced at high prices can only occupy a small number after all, relatively speaking, Argentine players are cheap and cost-effective, and the variety of Argentine players is very rich, whether it is a potential goblin or a powerful veteran who has played in the Americas for many years, can supplement the team's lineup.
Therefore, for MLC teams, bringing in young Argentine players is almost a sure deal. Almada and Pavin who have participated in the World Cup are examples after all, the vast majority of young Argentine players, the cost of introduction is not high, even if the performance is not good, the club's loss will not be too large, and once the ticket is successfully scratched, the high price sold to European clubs will make the team get an income.
For Argentine players, the living environment in the United States is more favorable than that of their home country, but in terms of distance, it is not as far away as Europe. The addition of a large number of Argentine players also allowed players to "huddle and warm up", and all the benefits added together to form the situation today.
Argentine players, gradually occupying the MLS
Nowadays, Argentine players have an increasing presence in the MLS, and their outstanding performances have contributed a lot to the improvement of the competitive level of the MLS. In this season's MLS goalscorer list, former Argentina Olympic team player Espinosa ranks third in the top scorer list with a performance of 6 goals in 9 games, and he has been playing for the San Jose Earthquake since 2019; Last season's MLS Golden Boot Deliussi, who represented Argentina at the Under-17 World Cup, scored 25 goals for Austin.
The retired Higuain scored 16 goals for Internacional Miami last season, and the 35-year-old has a brilliant career record that earned the last pot of gold of his playing career in the United States. And Castellanos, who played his senior year in front of Real Madrid, is the MLS Golden Boot in the 2021 season, before joining New York City, he only played in the Uruguayan league for 2 seasons, and his mediocre performance earned him the opportunity to travel to Europe.
Obviously, for Argentine players, whether it is a well-known star who has retired in the five major leagues, a superstar who is expected to debut from the South American league, or a powerful veteran who has been immersed in the Americas for many years, he can get a place in the MLS. This fertile ground for professional football has helped different types of players achieve different goals, and American teams are increasingly looking for talent from Argentina, which has made a name for themselves with performance.
In recent years, there have been scandals between Messi and the MLS, but he is still a key member of Paris. A few days ago, a MLS executive said: "We will work with Miami International to hopefully sign Messi, and if he comes to the United States to play, he will become the greatest athlete in the history of American sports." ”
Will this executive's wish be fulfilled? Perhaps, for Messi, in a few years, going to the MLS to retire is indeed a good choice. If this deal can be successful, with Messi's influence, there will undoubtedly be more Argentine players to play in the MLS, and the organization of the "Argentine Football Association of American Hometowns" may also be even bigger.
(Supine Push-ups/Yin Chongzeng)