With this win, Argentina is virtually assured of a spot in the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It was a crucial and hard-earned victory on the challenging pitch of Montevideo, where Uruguay has been one of the toughest teams to beat in these qualifiers.

Here, you can check out Almada’s incredible goal and all the key moments from this intense and heated battle between two of South America’s biggest soccer powerhouses. Plus, don’t miss some interesting stats and facts from this thrilling encounter.

The days of Tata Martino and that MLS Cup are long gone; the club has fallen into mediocrity, and the rebuild under Garth Lagerwey has truly begun. After meager results, the team is now looking for a head coach and preparing to embark on the summer transfer window with a lot of roster flexibility.

Not only that, but Atlanta United is set to earn a transfer fee from a player who left the club more than two years ago. Here are the total transfer fees that Atlanta United is set to cash in on,

Atlanta United’s Wild Summer Transfer Window

According to Tom Bogert, the following players have been transferred or will be transferred in the coming days:

• Thiago Almada, the only active MLS player to win the World Cup while in the league, has been sold to the Eagle Football Group and will go to Botafogo for six months before a move to France for a fee of $21 million plus $9 million in add-ons.

• Disgruntled striker Giorgos Giakoumakis was sold to Liga MX side Cruz Azul for $10 million. All that remains is the signature and agreement for defender Caleb Wiley, 19, who will be sold to Chelsea for $11 million.

• Out of the blue, former DP Esequiel Barco will be sold from River Plate to Spartak Moscow, with Atlanta United still set to receive $11 million from the sale of Barco from Atlanta United to River Plate, plus a sell-on fee received from his transfer from River Plate to Spartak Moscow.

What approach Atlanta United will take remains to be seen, as the club may have put the era of big young signings being sold to Europe to rest in favor of more “MLS” win-now signings.

This move is designed to help Almada transition from MLS football before his anticipated move to Europe. Almada may have already played his final MLS game on June 30th, potentially marking his departure as one of the league’s highest-profile outgoing transfers.

As Argentina prepares to face Ecuador in the quarterfinals on Thursday, Almada will not be part of the squad.

When will Thiago Almada play for Argentina?

Thiago Almada has made a name for himself as a standout performer for the Argentine U-23 team, earning a crucial role in their upcoming campaign at the Summer Olympics. His impressive form and contributions in the youth setup have solidified his position as a key player for Argentina, prompting Scaloni to prioritize his involvement in the Olympic squad over the Copa America.

This strategic decision underscores Almada’s importance to Argentina’s youth development program and his potential impact on the international stage. While Thiago Almada will not feature in the Copa America, his focus will be squarely on representing Argentina at the Summer Olympics.

Almada’s time in MLS has been excellent, scoring 26 goals and providing 24 assists in 83 games. However, Atlanta United has been on a downward spiral since his arrival, and his sale marks the end of a major signing from South America who would later be sold era.

According to numerous sources, Almada will likely move to Botafogo in Brazil for six months before heading to Europe to join Olympique Lyon in January 2025. The move to Brazil is intended to transition Almada out of the MLS mold before his anticipated big move to Europe.

Where does Almada’s transfer rank in MLS history?

Thiago Almada’s transfer from Atlanta United to Eagle Football Holdings could potentially reach a record fee in MLS history, likely in the $30 million range, consisting of $21 million plus $9 million in add-ons.

The biggest previous transfers include Miguel Almiron, who moved from Atlanta United to Newcastle for $27 million outright, and Alphonso Davies, who went from the Vancouver Whitecaps to Bayern Munich for $22 million, including add-ons.

Thiago Almada, an Argentine midfielder, is renowned for his exceptional dribbling skills, vision, and ability to create scoring opportunities.

“There will always be some comments that want to be on TV. We all know he is the best in the world and he deserved it,“ Almada said. Only a few months ago, the Velez Sarsfield product celebrated Argentina’s World Cup victory with Leo at Qatar 2022.

Almada was one of the 26 players called up by Lionel Scaloni for the memorable tournament, in which Messi made a strong case to win the Ballon d’Or. With seven goals in as many games, the Rosario-born star was instrumental in La Albiceleste’s third World Cup title.

But while many believe that’s enough to name him the best player of the season, others think the result is unfair. Almada didn’t clarify who he was referring to, but outside Argentina, many questioned Messi’s triumph.

Messi admits Haaland could’ve also won

In his Ballon d’Or acceptance speech, Messi recognized what Erling Haaland did with Manchester City throughout the season. In fact, the Argentine captain said the Norwegian striker could have also won the Ballon d’Or this year.

“As I said, he deserved it very much too. Erling has won Premier League and Champions League while being the top scorer of everything. This award could have been yours today too, so I’m sure for the next years you will win it,” Messi said.

Haaland was seen as the biggest rival in Messi’s pursuit for the 2023 Ballon d’Or as he recorded an impressive 52 goals for the Citizens last season. Besides, he played a key role in the club’s first-ever treble (winning the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup).

Messi thinks this may have been his last Ballon d’Or

Having won the biggest trophies at stake at 36, Messi feels satisfied with everything he’s accomplished so far. Now that he’s enjoying a different chapter in his career with Inter Miami in MLS, Leo understands that winning another Ballon d’Or may not be on the cards.

“If I dream of a 9th Ballon d’Or? No, no, I stopped thinking about the Ballon d’Or a while ago. Winning it was never a priority for me, especially now that I have achieved everything in my career. I think it’s the last Ballon d’Or and I’m happy to have achieved everything and be the player with 8 Ballon d’Ors,” he told L’Equipe.

The Portuguese superstar, who has been the subject of comparisons with Messi for a long time, also decided to leave the Old Continent this year, joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in January.

Many superstars have followed in Ronaldo’s footsteps by taking their talents to the Gulf State, which is why the 38-year-old is not even among the most valuable players in the Saudi Pro League. But in MLS, he would be the third most expensive star behind Messi and another Argentine player.

Thiago Almada is the only MLS player apart from Messi worth more than Ronaldo

According to Transfermarkt, Cristiano Ronaldo’s market value is 15 million euros. Valued at €35 million, Lionel Messi is the most expensive player in Major League Soccer, followed by Thiago Almada, whose worth is €27m.

The Argentine stars, who were part of the 2022 World Cup-winning team, are the only MLS players who are more valuable than Ronaldo. Austin FC star Sebastian Driussi, meanwhile, is also worth €15 million.

How much does Ronaldo make a year?

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly makes €200 million a year at Al-Nassr.

Nonetheless Napoli is still thinking about next season and the team coached by Luciano Spalletti has a 22-year-old creative midfielder in their sights. That player is Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada, who has been tearing up Major League Soccer in 2023.

Almada has already won a World Cup and scored for the Argentine national team since his move to MLS and in 2023 has 4 goals in 6 games and is tied for fourth in assists with 5.

Napoli after Thiago Almada

According to Fichajes.Net, Napoli have been following Thiago Almada for some time now and see the Argentine as a big upgrade for the squad come next season. According to sources Almada would command a transfer fee between $30- 40 million.

Almada has been a huge success case for MLS, already coming in as a big prospect via Velez Sarsfield in Argentina, in his two seasons in MLS Almada has 11 goals in 37 games. Almada was seen as a short-term big signing by Atlanta United and it looks very difficult that Napoli will agree to allow the youngster to stay until the end of the 2023 MLS season and will try to move him in the summer.

For MLS, a fee in the range of $30 million would make Almada the biggest outgoing sale in league history.

Sevilla on the other hand has seen better days, they sit one spot above the relegation zone and have a 1-2-4 record so far this season. Julen Lopetegui was sacked as a result of the poor run of form and Sampaoli is back to take the proud club up the standings.

Help could be on Sevilla’s way as Sampaoli could look towards Major League Soccer for his first major signing. According to Felipe Cárdenas, Sevilla could look at Atlanta United midfielder Thiago Almada.

Thiago Almada to Sevilla?

According to Cárdenas, Almada was a target of Sampaoli during his Olympique Marseille days and could be a target again come the winter transfer window. The 21-year-old is coming off a solid first season for Atlanta United, being one of the club’s few bright spots.

Almada had 6 goals and 6 assists in 28 matches for the team. Starting off slow but catching on as the season progressed. The silky midfielder earned his first cap with the Argentine national team in September, and it is reported that the Argentine coaching staff see him as a player for the future and they have a desire to see him in Europe sooner rather than later.

Thiago Almada was purchased from Vélez Sarsfield in January for $16 million, Atlanta United is expecting a transfer fee in the $25-30 million range.

While Thiago Almada is a talented 20-year-old attacking midfielder who is considered one of Argentine soccer’s top prospects he also comes with some unwanted baggage. A sexual allegation and an infamous goal celebration that fans took offense to.

Almada was the subject of a sexual assault case back in Argentina, for which the deal to bring the talented midfielder to Atlanta United was pushed back almost a year, while the case was on going. Also, the midfielder celebrated a goal by holding his hands to his face and imitating an Asian gesture, something that has caused backlash from Atlanta United fans. Now both the club and the player have addressed the incident.

Thiago Almada and Darren Eales speak on allegations and goal celebration

During a press conference to greet the Atlanta media the young midfielder addressed both situations stating, “I can’t talk about the (sexual) investigation because of those involved. Regarding the goal celebration at Vélez, I apologize (to the fans), and I know that it’s unacceptable. I know what Atlanta United is as an organization and I’m proud to be here.”

Darren Eales has doubled down on the sentiments of the allegations and celebration by stating, “We’ve done the due diligence over a number of months off the pitch… We worked with MLS the whole way through this and we took the step we did. We accept there is a swirl of discussion going around, there will always be different views. We recognize that and accept that. Thiago recognizes there’s a higher standard here. We believe he’s going to develop, learn and be educated.” In regard to the sexual allegations Eales stated that the case “ended up with no charges or interrogation.”

In 2022, MLS clubs continue to spend a record amount on incoming talents, this offseason FC Dallas brought in Argentine creative midfielder Alan Velasco for $7 million and Orlando City brought in Facundo Torres for $10 million, both club records.

In this article we will reviewwho are the highest incoming transfers in MLS history, this list will seem pretty recent, but that is because just as MLS is selling players at a high value, the league’s teams are buying them as well. Here are the top incoming MLS transfers in league history!

Giovani dos Santos – $7 Million

In a move the Galaxy would most likely like to have back, the Mexican international came to MLS at $7 million. A career of underperforming, Giovani dos Santos did just that in Los Angeles with 26 goals in 77 games mixed with up and down performances. dos Santos had his contract bought out by the club to easy his departure.

Alan Velasco – $7 Million

19-year-old Argentine creative midfielder Alan Velasco made a surprise move to FC Dallas in 2022. Velasco was one of the Argentine league’s best players and played 48 games with Independiente before his big move to MLS and FC Dallas.

Sebastián Driussi – $7 Million

Sebastián Driussi has been a smash hit for Austin FC, playing at an MVP level in 2022. Driussi was the spark Austin needed to be taken seriously in MLS and has transformed himself into one of the best players in all of MLS.

Xherdan Shaqiri – $7.5 Million

Veteran Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri comes to the Chicago Fire after stints at Lyon, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool, among others. On the international side Xherdan Shaqiri is a three-time World Cup veteran for Switzerland. “We’re extremely pleased to formally welcome Xherdan Shaqiri to the Fire,” sporting director Georg Heitz said in a press release. “Xherdan is a game-changing player and someone who will bring joy to our supporters and the city of Chicago.”

Lucas Zelarayán – $8 Million

The now Armenian international came to MLS in 2020 and has been a highlight reel free kick taker and one of the best creative midfielders in all of MLS. Zelarayán won the 2020 MLS cup with the Columbus Crew.

Miguel Almirón – $8 Million

Before becoming one of theleague’s highest ever outgoing transfer Miguel Almirón came to Atlanta Unitedat $8 million. Miguel Almirón came as the best player in the Argentine league, dominated the league, and left for a record near $27million transfer fee to Newcastle United.

Brian Rodríguez – $8 Million

Uruguayan international Brian Rodríguez was brought for a record $8 million from Peñarol to LAFC. Rodríguez showedflashes of brilliance but never tookthe league by storm, scoring only 8goals in 55games. Rodríguez’s desire to move to Europe forced a loan to Almería,when he returned to MLS after a rough spell in Spain the midfielder came back with a better head on his shoulders but again pushed for a move to LigaMX side Club America only four months later.

Alexandru Mitriță – $8.8 Million

The Romanian midfielder came to NYCFC in 2019 and was not as impressive as the team would have liked, playing 46 games and scoring 16 goals. Mitriță has been loaned three timessince his big money move to MLS.

Matías Pellegrini – $8.91 Million

Young Argentine midfielder Matías Pellegrini was bought for $8.9 million from Estudiantes de La Plata.Unfortunately for Pellegrini he was loaned out to USL side Fort Lauderdale CF in 2021 after Inter Miami failed to comply with MLS roster mandates and correct number of Designated Players. Pellegrini played only 19 games and scored 1 goal for the club and is now with NYCFC.

Clint Dempsey – $9 Million

The greatest American soccer player of all-time returned to MLS from Tottenham at a record $9 million. The Seattle Sounders saw vintage Dempsey with great skill and great goals. Dempsey was forced to retire due to a heart issue but played 115 games and scored 47 goals.

Javier Hernández – $9.4 Million

Chicharito is MLS and the Los Angeles Galaxy’s ultimate prize catch, after a disastrous 2020, Javier Hernández came back full throttle in 2021 but injuries caught up with him yet again but he still managed 17 goals in 21 games. Entering 2022, Chicarito has only played 33 games and scored 19 goals.

Alan Pulido – $9.5Million

Often injured Alan Pulido cost Sporting KC $9.5million; he has been worth every penny when he has played. Injuries have derailed what should be a success case in MLS as Pulido will miss all of 2022 with a knee injury.

Brian Fernández – $9.9 Million

When the Portland Timbers bought Brian Fernández from Necaxa at $9.9 million they wanted goals, they got goals, but also a world of problems. On the field Fernández scored 11 goals in 19 games, off the field, unfortunately the player suffers from a long-standing drug problem. The Timbers terminated the contract and afterward when Brian Fernández returned to Argentina he went missing for 24 hours while playing for Colon de Santa Fe and even received death threats from his own father.

Jozy Altidore – $10 Million

Jozy Altidore came to Toronto FC to help ignite the struggling franchise and get his career back on track after a rather dismal spell in the Premier League. Altidore paid off big, scoring clutch goals and winning the 2017 MLS Cup.

Michael Bradley – $10 Million

Michael Bradley got the deal of a lifetime going to Toronto FC and earning one of the highest salaries in MLS for over 4 years. Bradley was an on again off again starter at Roma when Toronto FC came knocking. Bradley would help elevate the club to championships and continues to be a reference for the team in2022.

Facundo Torres – $10 Million

The former Peñarol star moved to Orlando City for a $10 million transfer fee plus add-ons. Torres is a young and up and coming player in Uruguay and will be the main point of attack for the Lions. Torres is considered one of the top prospects in South America.

Jermain Defoe – $10 Million

English forward Jermain Defoe came to MLS in 2014 and played only 19 games for Toronto FC scoring 11 goals. It was said that Defoe was not happy in Torontoand returned to England where he continues to play till this day.

Cucho Hernandez – $10 Million

Colombian striker Cucho Hernandez comes to the Columbus Crew on a $10 million transfer and a well traveled career which saw him play and score goals at Wolves, Mallorca, and the Colombian national team.

Alejandro Pozuelo – $ 11 Million

Alejandro Pozuelo arrived at Toronto FC from Genk at $11million and he has been an MVP caliber signing since. With 22goals in 72games the Spanish international has been an MLS MVP in 2020 as well as an MLS All-Star, and two-time MLS best eleven. Pozuelo is now with Inter Miami.

Talles Magno – $12 Million

The 18- year-old Brazilian prodigy was purchased by NYCFC for $12 Million from Brazilian giants Vasco da Gama. Talles Magno played over 50 games for Vasco and represents Brazil at the youth level.

Luiz Araújo – $12 Million

According to sources Atlanta United paid $12 million for the Brazilian midfielder. Luiz Araújo came to MLS after a championship run with Lille in France and has played very well for the five stripes since his arrival in 2021.

Rodolfo Pizarro – $12 Million

Mexican international Rodolfo Pizarro was brought from Monterrey for $12 million. His time at Inter Miami was a resounding flop; the Mexican scored only 7 goals in 46 games and was ineffective in nearly every match he played. Pizarro was loaned to Monterrey for 2022.

Brenner – $13 Million

Sao Paulo youngster Brenner made an unlikely move to FC Cincinnati and MLS at $13 million. The young forward has already played for the Brazilian U-17’s and scored 13 goals in 32 games for the Brazilian giants, his move comes as a message that FC Cincinnati is ready to make the playoffs in MLS. In 2021 Brenner scored 8 goals in 33 games for a sorry Cincinnati team.

Ezequiel Barco – $15 Million

The former Independiente midfielder, Ezequiel Barco, was a huge splash signing by Atlanta United back in 2018. Barco’s MLS time was been rather incomplete, his ability and scoring power has come in spurts, he had17 goals in 81 games with 2021 being his best season. It’s Barco’s maturity that came under question, he had personal issues with a teammate’s girlfriend during the Tata Martino era, under Frank de Boer all of Atlanta was a mess, and when things looked good in 2021 Barco was loaned to River Plate for 2022 since the club has had problems selling the player for the fee they desire.

Gonzalo “El Pity” Martínez – $15.5 Million

Gonzalo “El Pity” Martínezsigned viaRiver Plate at a near $16million, the former South American player of the year was a major disappointment. Often too hot and cold to properly lead Atlanta United, in only 1 and a half season an unexpected offer from Saudi team Al-Nassr came and he was sold, and Pity became one of the most expensive outgoing and incoming transfers in MLS history.

Thiago Almada – $16 Million

The highest incoming transfer fee ever paid in MLS history belongs to Thiago Almada who comes to Atlanta United from Vélez Sarsfield. At Vélez, Almada showed a lot of grace and creativity and is considered one of Argentine soccer’s best prospects. It took nearly 1 year for Atlanta United to complete the transfer, but Almada is once again a clear message that the 5-stripes want to win now and sell big.