Thiago Almada and Facundo Farías, MLS stars who are leading Argentina’s Olympic dream

The two MLS stars featured for Argentina’s U-23 side and shone in the game ahead of their Olympic campaign.

Víctor Martín J.VictorMartJimUpdate: Dec 18th, 2023 08:42 EST

CLAUDIO REYESAFP

The Argentina U-23 National Team won their last match of the year against Ecuador and have, as a result, closed out 2023 with two victories that motivate Javier Mascherano ahead of the Olympic Games to be held next year, where La Albiceleste will look for a ticket to Paris.

In a squad full of names both known and new, two ps stand out above the rest: Thiago Almada and Facundo Farías. Both attackers have opted for the MLS pathway to develop their talents, something that certainly seems to have been a good decision, given how things look.

🏆 #Sub23🗓 Amistoso internacional⚽ #Argentina 🇦🇷 2 🆚 #Ecuador 🇪🇨 0👉🏻 ¡Final del encuentro! Con goles de Thiago Almada y Valentín Barco, el equipo de Javier Mascherano se quedó con la victoria en el segundo amistoso. pic.twitter.com/B5QzX6g5IQ

— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) December 17, 2023

Almada to lead Argentina charge for gold

In fact, the Atlanta United player is now the captain and main playmaker of the Argentina midfield. Almada is without a doubt the team’s star and he clearly showed his range of attacking talents the match against Ecuador with a fantastic free kick goal that not many players at his age could pull off.

On the other hand, Facundo Farías showed the great drive and determination he has when it comes to attacking, something that caught the attention of those at Inter Miami a few months ago. The 21-year-old striker started the game against their South American opponents, occupying the left wing in the system put out by Mascherano.

Full screen

Almada got 11 goals and 16 assists in 34 MLS games in 2023.

Who is Ramiro Enrique?