The U17 World Cup is entering its crucial phase and while Spain's absence may have diminished some of its appeal in certain countries, one player is capturing attention, particularly in Argentina.
Claudio Echeverri, nicknamed 'El Diablito', was born in the province of Chaco in 2006. Echeverri's standout performance against Brazil has drawn global attention, with comparisons to Lionel Messi emerging.
Echeverri's remarkable feat against Brazil, where he became the first Argentine player to score three goals against the team with the most World Cup appearances, has ignited discussions about his potential.
Beyond his on-field prowess, the parallels extend to his height (1.70 m), mirroring the stature of the widely regarded greatest footballer, Messi.
Playing for River Plate, the 17-year-old, has already secured a professional contract, a testament to the club's recognition of his talent.
His debut with the first team, marked by a goal, emphasizes his promising future. However, irregular starts have sparked protests from River Plate fans, illustrating the high expectations placed on this emerging talent.
On European teams' radar
Echeverri's talent hasn't gone unnoticed on the European stage. Clubs such as Roma, AC Milan, Feyenoord and Genk have reportedly included him in their scouting radar, underscoring the widespread recognition of his potential.
This echoes his early achievements, such as scoring four goals against Juventus at the age of 11 and finding the net in his debut for the reserve team at 16.
Incidents in the stands before the start of the Brazil-Argentina match at Maracana!
Revenge against Brazil
The U17 World Cup quarterfinal match against Brazil was a crucial juncture for both teams. Brazil secured victory, clinching the title of the South American U-17 Championship in April, thwarting Argentina's hopes.
However, the subsequent revenge on Brazil in the World Cup quarterfinals showcased Echeverri's brilliance, netting a hat trick and rekindling the country's football fervor. His statement, "Ganar a Brasil fue sexo" (Beating Brazil was like sex), captured the euphoria and intensity of the victory.
An electric duo with Ruberto
Another rising star sharing the spotlight is Agustin Ruberto, a teammate of Echeverri at River Plate.
Close in age, just 12 days apart, Ruberto has emerged as the tournament's top scorer alongside Echeverri, contributing significantly to Argentina's goal tally.
European interest, particularly from Brighton & Hove Albion, indicates that Ruberto is also catching the eye of international scouts.
The performance of this 2006 generation is on the verge of making history. With just 180 minutes - excluding possible extra time - separating them from potentially becoming the first group of Argentines to lift the U17 World Cup, the stakes are high.
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