Thiago Almada has been an impressive force in the MLS this season for Atlanta United

MLS star Thiago Almada receives last-gasp call-up to Argentina’s World Cup squad as Atlanta United man joins Lionel Messi in pursuit of World Cup glory

Atlanta United’s midfielder Thiago Almada will be going to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after all, following injuries to Inter Milan’s Joaquin Correa and Fiorentina’s Nicolas Gonzalez.

The 21-year-old has been called up just a week before La Albiceleste’s opening Group C match against Saudi Arabia on November 22.

It was only in February when Almada joined Atlanta from Velez Sarsfield for a reported MLS-record transfer fee of $16million.

Thiago Almada has been an impressive force in the MLS this season for Atlanta United

Thiago Almada has been an impressive force in the MLS this season for Atlanta United

Over the course of the MLS season, the youngster scored six goals and registered 12 assists with the Five Stripes, despite the team failing to make it to the playoffs. 

Almeida initially failed to make Lionel Scaloni’s final-26-man roster for the World Cup, but injuries have now made him the sole MLS player in the squad. 

He is also one of two players on the roster — alongside goalkeeper Franco Armani — to be playing for a club outside Europe.

The Copa America champions have also made another last-gasp addition, calling up Atletico Madrid winger Angel Correa.

Lionel Messi gave his compatriot Almada immense praise following the Honduras friendly

Lionel Messi gave his compatriot Almada immense praise following the Honduras friendly

Correa will be an option on an already star-studded front line, including the likes of Messi, Angel Di Maria and Julian Alvarez.

Argentina is also sweating on the fitness of defender Christian Romero and forwards Alejandro Gomez and Paulo Dybala, all of whom were left out of Argentina’s last warm-up match Wednesday. 

The Albiceleste thumped United Arab Emirates 5-0 behind goals from Alvarez, Di Maria, Messi and Correa. 

Now, Mexico awaits one of the tournament favorites next week at Lusail Stadium.

Almada will do well to be a feature for an uber-talented Argentinian squad favored to go deep

Almada will do well to be a feature for an uber-talented Argentinian squad favored to go deep

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