World Cup winner with Messi admits Argentina returns to dream after leaving Premier League for La Liga

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is getting closer and no player wants to miss it. In that context, a teammate of Lionel Messi at the World Cup 2022 revealed his desire to return to Argentina‘s national team, banking on his recent move from the Premier League Unpleasant The League could help him achieve that goal.

On Thursday, Valencia officially announced the signing of Guido Rodrigueza 31-year-old midfielder who had played for Westham United in the Premier League since 2024 and, after losing prominence this season, agreed to return to La Liga after his successful spell with Real Betis.

Not only has Rodriguez lost ground at the English club in recent months, but he has also stopped receiving calls from them Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. When asked during his introductory press conference whether the goal of returning to the national team before the World Cup was in his mind when he agreed to the move to Valencia, he was honest.

“If things go well for me and for the club, it gives me the chance to come back,” Guido Rodriguez said according to TyC Sports. “Being part of the national team is very difficultbut in the short term my focus is on the important matches of Valencia.”

The midfielder then immediately addressed the challenges that awaited him in this new phase of his professional career. “They are not living their best moment, but that does not stop it from being an attractive club for players. It depends on moments and seasons. We can change the moment and improve Valencia.” he said.

Valencia is having a hard time at the moment

Guido Rodriguez’s words about Valencia’s current situation are correct. The Spanish club, unlike in the early 2000s, has been without domestic and international fame for a number of years and now finds itself in a particularly difficult position.

Valencia is currently fourteenth in the league The League rankings, but their situation is far from comfortable. They only have a two-point lead Mallorcathat are in the relegation zone. With less than half the season remaining, the risk is significant and there is little room for error.

Can Guido Rodriguez return to Argentina for the World Cup?

Guido Rodriguez has been involved in all of Argentina’s major successes in recent years. He played in six of the seven games on the Copa America 2021where Argentina ended a 28-year title drought, and he later started in the Very definitive in return for Italy in the summer of 2022.

At the World Cup 2022Rodriguez arrived as a regular rotation piece, competing with him Leandro Paredes for the defensive role in midfield. In fact, he started the second match in the group stage against Mexico. But as the tournament progressed, Enzo Fernandez And Alexis MacAllister delivered an excellent performance, claimed the available spots in midfield and it was never the same for Guido.

Although Lionel Scaloni continued to call on Rodriguez in subsequent years, he used him sparingly, including an appearance in the Copa America 2024. After September 2024, the midfielder stopped appearing in call-ups at all and never regained his place. Now, with his move to Valencia, Guido has four months to rediscover his best form and prove he can challenge for a place in the 26-player squad for the World Cup in North America.