Lautaro Rivero, from selling alfajores on the street to playing with Messi for Argentina

Lautaro Rivero (Buenos Aires, 2003) is one of the great novelties of the October FIFA international break . The River Plate center-back has received his first call-up with Argentina .

The 'millionaire' youth player went on loan to Central Cordoba (Santiago del Estero) for 18 months in June 2024. His good performances - he won the Copa Argentina and was part of the team that defeated Flamengo (1-2) in the Copa Libertadores - led River to abort his loan early.

"If there is a player on loan who works, has growth and I think he can help us, he is rescued," said Marcelo Gallardo . Back at the Monumental, this 1.85m left-footed centre-back has become indispensable for 'El Muñeco' . What is really striking about Lautaro Rivero , however, is his human story.

"A year ago. I can't believe all this," he wrote on Instagram next to a photo in which he could be seen selling alfajores in the street. "Not only alfajores, but I also sold flowers. I used to go to the central market or the fair to sell notebooks. When we were given vacations in the lower divisions at River, I used to spend my time selling," he recalled on Fox Sports Radio .

"It was a process that marked my life. For me and for my future. Despite everything, I never stopped training and going to River . I knew that at some point I was going to solve my problems, but I also knew that training only in the morning was not going to be enough," he continued.

Now he will share a team with Leo Messi, but Rivero, in 2022, even before making his debut with River, did not forget his humble origins: "My first objective is to be able to help my family. We are very humble and hard-working people. The first thing I want is for them to be better and to have everything they deserve. I want to see my mom, my dad and my brothers and sisters well. Thanks to them I am here, fighting day by day"

"Rivero is a player who has already earned his place and was called up to the national team. That's no small thing," insists Gallardo. Even Hugo Basilotta, vice-president of Alfajores Guaymallen, the brand that Rivero used to sell, echoed his call-up with the Albiceleste: "Let's go Lautarito dear, caviar is lucky! Always grateful." You know: nobody gets bitter about a 'sweet'