The Fluzao star requested an albiceleste call for his teammate, the team’s top scorer. In the wake of a historic moment, the club’s standout forward quietly advocated for national team recognition, underscoring the strong bond between club form and international potential. The request wasn’t just about personal pride; it reflected a broader belief that the squad’s success should be mirrored on the world stage, and that the country would benefit from the presence of a proven goalscorer who had already delivered on multiple continental stages.
A few days after being crowned champion of the 2023 Copa Libertadores de América, becoming one of fifteen footballers in history to also win the Champions League, Marcelo sent a message to Lionel Scaloni and the entire coaching staff. The note carried a clear message: let the best players from the triumph in South America join the national team’s plans, and do so with confidence. The champion’s message resonated beyond the club walls, sparking conversations about squad composition, chemistry, and the timing of a call that could extend a remarkable season into a lasting international chapter.
The Brazilian full-back backed his teammate, German Canoeand, and urged for the recall ahead of the world champions’ selection process: “Cano for the Argentina national team. Yes, it’s clear. He deserves it.” The sentiment carried weight because it came from a player who had shared the field with Canoeand in defining moments of the campaign, where every goal counted and every game carried the weight of expectation. While some debates are settled on the merits of form and fitness, others hinge on the intangible chemistry that can unlock a national team’s best version when the calendar tightens and stakes rise.
The 35-year-old striker demonstrated elite efficiency in the continental tournament, finishing with 13 goals in 12 appearances, including one in the final against Boca. His scoring rhythm underscored his ability to rise to the occasion when the spotlight grows brightest. Since arriving at the club in Rio, he has accumulated 81 goals in 124 matches, a tally that speaks to consistency, longevity, and the knack for delivering in high-pressure moments. Such numbers naturally invite consideration for a broader audience and a return to international duties, where the stage is larger and the stakes even higher.
“I can’t decide whether to play for the Argentina national team or not; that’s not a decision for me to make,” Cano said in an interview with TyC Sports. The comment reflected a veteran perspective on national team selection, recognizing the negotiations between personal ambition, team harmony, and coach decision-making. The question remains whether Scaloni will view the forward’s club form as a signal to redefine the attacking dynamics of the national side. For now, Scaloni has positioned Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez as the primary attacking duo, a pairing that brings youth, pace, and creative versatility to the front line. In that setup, Lucas Beltrán is the player who continuously pushes for consideration, asking for a chance to contribute whenever the opportunity arises.
The discussions behind the scenes reveal a broader narrative about national team strategy, talent depth, and the delicate balance coaches strive to strike between established leaders and emerging stars. The case of Canoeand highlights how exceptional performances in major club competitions can generate momentum for international opportunities, while also testing the timing and criteria that guide national team selection. In the weeks ahead, fans and pundits will watch closely to see if the call comes and how the team would integrate a prolific scorer into a system that already emphasizes quick transitions, precise finishing, and a cohesive defensive structure.