The murmurs have grown into a steady hum. Matías Soulé, the sensation currently dazzling audiences with AS Roma, finds himself at a pivotal juncture in his international aspirations. Despite his undeniable talent and a remarkable ascent in Serie A, the call from his native Argentina`s senior national team, the coveted *Albiceleste*, remains conspicuously absent. This vacuum, however, has not gone unnoticed by the Italian Football Federation, which has long kept a keen eye on the dual-nationality dynamo.
A Dual Heritage, A Singular Dream?
Soulé`s eligibility for both Argentina and Italy stems from his Italo-Argentine heritage, a common thread woven through the fabric of South American football. For many young players, this dual passport offers a strategic advantage, a potential bypass to the highly competitive national team selections. For Soulé, whose dream has always been to represent Argentina on the grandest stages, the situation is becoming increasingly complex.
His agent, Martin Guastadisegno, recently articulated the mounting frustration. “Matías is working tirelessly for a national team call-up,” Guastadisegno noted, adding a hint of irony, “He`s notably the only one among his generation of young Argentines who hasn`t yet had a single minute with the senior squad. He`s becoming a leader at an important club like Roma and unquestionably deserves a chance.”
While acknowledging the formidable depth of talent within the Argentine ranks – a squad currently brimming with world-class attackers – the agent`s frustration is palpable. The underlying message is clear: sustained brilliance should eventually translate into recognition, especially when the player openly expresses a burning desire to play in a World Cup.
Italy`s Persistent Courtship
The Italian national team, known as the *Azzurri*, has a history of embracing players with Italian lineage from abroad. In a landscape where homegrown talent isn`t always abundant enough to fill every void, a pragmatic approach often dictates selection. Soulé, with his flair, technical prowess, and burgeoning influence, represents precisely the kind of attacking dynamism Italy could leverage.
It`s no secret that Italy`s previous coach, Luciano Spalletti, had attempted to lure Soulé to wear the blue jersey for Euro 2024. At that time, Soulé`s commitment to Argentina was unwavering. “My priority then was Argentina,” he had stated. However, as the sands of international football shift, and with Argentina`s door seemingly bolted shut, his stance is reportedly softening.
The statement isn`t a declaration, but a significant opening. It signals a pragmatic pivot, acknowledging that an athlete`s career is finite, and opportunities for international glory are precious and fleeting.
A Star Ascendant: Soulé`s Stellar Form at Roma
The timing of this international dilemma is critical, coinciding with Soulé`s exceptional performances at AS Roma under the guidance of his current coach. In what has been a truly explosive start to the season (as reported in late 2025), Soulé has emerged as Roma`s most decisive player. The numbers speak for themselves:
- 2 goals and 3 assists, pivotal contributions to Roma`s strong league position.
- Leading the squad in both ball recoveries and successful dribbles, showcasing his all-around contribution and attacking threat.
His agent proudly asserts, “Matías is performing exceptionally well this season. He`s thriving at Roma and working diligently to improve with every match.” This success is particularly sweet given past criticisms that, at one point, had some prematurely labeling him as a “new Iturbe” – a tag referring to a player who struggled to live up to early hype. Soulé, however, has demonstrated resilience, bouncing back from setbacks like a missed penalty to become a true leader on the field, inspiring teammates even after scoring.
His market value is soaring, undoubtedly prompting some wistful reflections from Juventus, his parent club, over their decision to loan him out. Yet, Soulé remains fully committed to his current role. “Roma is an important place, he`s incredibly happy here and wants to contribute to bringing this team to the Champions League,” his agent confirmed.
The Road Ahead: A Choice of Heart, or Head?
The gratitude for his development is shared, with acknowledgments to Claudio Ranieri, who fostered his growth last season, and his current manager, praised as “one of the best coaches in Italy.” Even Daniele De Rossi, who reportedly pushed for his presence at Roma last summer, deserves credit for his belief in the young talent.
As Soulé continues his trajectory of excellence, the decision of which national anthem to stand for will undoubtedly be one of the most significant of his career. Will he hold out for the dream of the *Albiceleste*, or will the consistent interest and clear path offered by the *Azzurri* prove too compelling to resist? It`s a choice that reflects not just athletic ambition, but also identity, opportunity, and the cold, hard realities of international football.
The ball, it seems, is now firmly in Matías Soulé`s court.
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley