Eyeing MLS Exit, Lionel Messi’s WC Winning Teammate Becomes Atletico Madrid’s Top Priority: Reports

Everyone from the 2022 World Cup-winning squad of Argentina is witnessing great progress. Most colleagues of Lionel Messi have been well rewarded with contracts from top European clubs like Liverpool for Alexis Mac Allister. Another sensation who made a huge 29-goal contribution last season could see himself landing with Atletico Madrid.

Messi’s influence on the team he plays for is more than appreciable. Every youngster in the team does look up to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. And in this case, this particular MLS player in the spotlight has undoubtedly shown a few glimpses of Messi’s playmaking and is now the top target of Diego Simeone and Co.

MLS’ Young POTY and Lionel Messi’s World Cup teammate eyed by Atletico Madrid

It was a dream come true for the 2001-born player when he was called onto the pitch to play his first official minutes with Lionel Messi. Thiago Almada, after winning the World Cup, became the only active player in the MLS to have achieved the feat. The player is now the top target for the 2020-2021 Spanish Champions, as per  Fabrizio Romano. According to reports, Madrid ‘has always appreciated‘ the youngster, and his name is ‘very high‘ on the list. Almada is the first choice to replace current striker, Angel Correa. The 21-year-old has created tons of chances in the last two years.

The star was awarded the MLS Young Player of the Year award in 2023 for scoring 11 goals and providing 16 assists. However, his club, Atlanta United, lost to Columbus in the playoff final.

Almada joined the MLS club for a fee of $16 million until 2025. But with the offers approaching, it’s uncertain how Atlanta will react as they hope to see him back for the upcoming preseason. The club’s vice president stated in November, “If top clubs and Champions League clubs are coming in for Thiago, it’s more of a discussion with the player, and we want to work together“, as per MLS Soccer.

With Thiago Almada linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, what does the future of Angel Correa hold?

Angel Correa, who could make way for Almada, will leave Atletico Madrid as an icon

Angel Correa was also part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad alongside Lionel Messi. The player is now under the radar of Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad and could play alongside Karim Benzema. In the latest developments, Correa is reportedly not in the main plans of Diego Simeone, who is now preferring to have Almada.

READ MORE – FIFA Punishes Lionel Messi’s Argentina With Hefty Fine & Bans 50% Fans For Next Game After Controversy vs Brazil

However, the player’s numbers aren’t that bad this season, with four goals and an assist in his name. Correa, if he does, will leave the Wanda Metropolitano as an icon with 74 goals and 58 assists and after winning won a La Liga, UEFA Super Cup, and Europa League. Simeone is likely looking for the next generation of players. Almada was also selected in the U23 squad for the pre-Olympic tournament by Javier Mascherano.

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