Lionel Messi believes Valentin Carboni will be one of Argentina’s future stars and claims midfielder already has “barbaric quality”.
Messi scored twice in Argentina’s 4-1 victory against Guatemala on Friday evening. This match is their final warm-up game before their Copa America campaign begins this month.
Carboni meanwhile, was given his senior debut for Argentina. This was in the 3-1 win over Costa Rica in March. The 19-year-old was handed his first start for national side on Friday.
He was one of team’s standout performers on right wing. Carboni was signed by Inter in 2020. He has just spent season on loan at fellow Serie A side Monza.
He is now pushing to secure a place in Argentina’s final squad for the Copa America. The reigning World Cup champions kick off Group A against Canada on June 21.
“He [Carboni] has a great future present and future, we must take advantage as well as many boys who come with great strength” Messi told TyC Sports.
“Since we arrived in the United States he has been training with us. We had seen him in the Under-20s but he grew a lot. He is a different player, much more trained and with barbaric quality.”
Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Scaloni on Carboni’s Potential
Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez who has played alongside Carboni at Inter, echoed Messi’s praise. “I know him from Inter. He has trained with us for two years. He has shown all the quality of player he is” Martinez said.
“Obviously he is young, he is 19 years old. It is important for him to add these minutes. For coaching staff to give him that confidence for us to support him. He has to continue learning but he has plenty of potential.”
Meanwhile, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni suggested Carboni remains in his thoughts as he prepares to name his final squad for the Copa America.
“I expected that from Carboni. He is a young boy with lot of potential” Scaloni said. “He played a good game. It was difficult for him due to context. We are happy with his game. It is evident that he is a boy who can contribute to us. We will see if he comes or not in the end.”
