In France the numbers were impressive and his name had already turned up in conversations among fans who follow Scaloni’s squad with keen interest. A San Lorenzo supporter I know will tell you that his rise has long been a topic of conversation around the locker rooms and among supporters who track the national team closely. Each time Scaloni calls players into the fold, the bond with the world champions strengthens—fans expect familiar faces to return, yet new selections spark curiosity. Walter Benitez is one of those names that stirs a mix of recognition and intrigue. The PSV goalkeeper has been called up for recent friendlies in China, and this exposure is widely seen as part of a broader pattern: players who prove themselves at club level can become fixtures for the national team after an official cap or two. The current discussions emphasize that this call-up is less about a one-off favor and more about a measured step toward the official squad for important competitive matches ahead of 2026.
THE ARGENTINA SQUAD FOR THE 2023 QUALIFICATIONS
Who is Walter Benitez?
Walter Benítez, born in January 1993 in Chaco, Argentina, remade his early career after a move from Quilmes at age 15 where he began his professional journey. His path took a decisive turn in 2016 when strong performances drew attention from clubs in Argentina before he chose Europe as the next stage for his development. The decision led him toward Nice, where he refined his craft and began stepping into the broader spotlight that accompanies a move to a top European league.
In Ligue 1, his 2018-19 campaign stood out as he contended for the league’s best goalkeeper award against elite peers. The season featured battles with many of the game’s renowned shot-stoppers, including Gianluigi Buffon, who was with Paris Saint-Germain at the time, and Mike Maignan, who defended Lille’s goal. Those head-to-head moments became talking points for fans who follow both the French league and Argentina’s national team pipeline, underscoring the level at which Benítez was competing.
The 2021/22 season reinforced his reputation. Benítez was part of a defense with a remarkably low number of goals conceded, and his performance in 14 consecutive unbeaten matches earned him the nickname El Muro. This period cemented his standing as a goalkeeper capable of delivering consistency at the highest levels of European football.
Interest from PSV followed, culminating in a three-year contract in 2022. At PSV, he chased success with domestic trophies, lifting the Dutch Cup and the Dutch Supercup, victories that broadened his international resume and showcased his capability to perform in different footballing environments. This season, he is expected to participate in the group stage of the Champions League, a stage that will give Argentinian fans another chance to assess his form up close.
Benítez has prior experience with Argentina’s national teams, including a stint with the South American Under-20 squad in 2013, which adds to the narrative of his ongoing relationship with the national program. As his club performances build confidence, his profile with the senior national team has grown, and fans in Argentina and across the Americas keep an eye on his development as part of the broader strategic plan for 2026 and beyond.
Notes from fans and observers point to the way his career trajectory mirrors the classic pathway of a goalkeeper who blends club success with national team opportunities. His journey—from Quilmes to the top tier of French football, then to the Dutch league with PSV, and onto the grand stage of European competition—illustrates how performance, consistency, and resilience can translate into sustained recognition at the international level. The upcoming matches and the ongoing discussions around the squad emphasize a long-term approach to selection, with an eye toward cementing depth in key positions ahead of major tournaments.
In summary, Walter Benítez stands as a compelling case study in how a goalkeeper can navigate a global career while maintaining proximity to his roots and the national program. His presence in the national team conversation, combined with the strong performances in European club football, positions him as a notable figure to watch as Argentina charts its path toward the next World Cup cycle.
Note: information compiled from contemporary coverage and match reports related to Benítez’s club and international appearances.