Argentina call up former street vendor, 21, to international squad

A FORMER street vendor has been called up to the Argentina national squad.

National team coach Lionel Scaloni has caused a stir by naming several surprise players in the squad for upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

3 Lautaro Rivero has worked his way up to River Plate and now will represent his country Credit: Getty

3 A few years back he was on the street selling alfajores but kept his football dream alive Credit: X

But it's the inclusion of 21-year-old Lautaro Rivero, a former street vendor whose journey from hardship to heroism that has most inspired people.

Rivero, a left-footed centre-back, caught the eye of River Plate who recently activated their buy-back clause to bring him back for the Club World Cup .

But before his rise, life was tough. Until just a few years ago Rivero was selling alfajores, a popular South American cookie, on the streets to help support his family.

Born and raised in Moreno alongside five siblings, football started for Rivero at local club Los Halcones, a few blocks from his home.

He spent his early days honing his skills playing in the neighbourhood’s vacant lots before moving on to Villa Luro Norte and La Victoria.

At 14, Rivero was snapped up by River Plate’s youth system.

Rivero told River Plate’s official website in 2022: “We are very humble and hardworking.

"My biggest wish is to see my family doing well. I want my mum, dad, and siblings to have everything they deserve.

"Thanks to them, I’m here, fighting every day."

Initially a left midfielder, his 1.85m frame and natural left foot saw him transition to centre-back, where he quickly became a standout, even captaining several youth sides.

By 2021, Rivero had moved up to the reserves who compete in Argentina's lower leagues.

On the brink of free agency at the end of 2023, he signed his first pro contract with the club.

In 2024, he became a defensive mainstay for the reserve side and caught the eye of River Plate boss Martín Demichelis, who named him in the club's Copa Libertadores squad.

However, with fierce competition for places, Rivero found first-team opportunities limited and sought regular game time by leaving to join fellow top-flight side Central Cordoba on loan.

Rivero made his debut for Cordoba last June in a 4-2 loss to Talleres under coach Lucas González Vélez.

He started most games under Gonzalez Velez but was dropped by successor Omar De Felippe, missing several matches, including the Copa Argentina final.

The departures of Sebastian Valdez and Jonathan Rak opened a door for Rivero to cement his place alongside Lucas Abascia, a survivor from Central Cordoba’s championship-winning squad.

By 2025, Rivero was one of the best centre-backs in Argentina , starring in a historic 2-1 win over Flamengo at the Maracana - a performance that marked him as a key player for his loan club.

Before he was recalled by River Plate, Rivero racked up 30 appearances, scoring twice and providing an assist.

He also played every minute of Central Cordoba’s six Copa Libertadores games.

From selling sweets on the streets to wearing the Albiceleste shirt, Lautaro Rivero’s story is one of grit, talent, and dreams realised.

3 Scaloni won the World Cup in Qatar and will attemp to defend it next year Credit: Reuters