Soulé aims for the Champions League: “Now four finals. One day, I’ll play for Independiente.”

Matías Soulé is living one of the most defining moments of his young career. After decisive goals in high-stakes matches like the derby and the clash at San Siro against Inter, the Argentine has captured the spotlight. His performances reflect a journey marked by persistence, growth, and a deep-rooted passion for football—qualities that now appear to be paying off in spectacular fashion.

Soulé’s story begins in the Argentine countryside, far from the grandeur of European stadiums. As a child, he scoured the internet in search of clubs where he could begin playing competitively. He started at Kimberley, a modest team that introduced him to structured football, but his aspirations were always greater. Like many children from the provinces, the dream was to reach Buenos Aires. He would constantly alert his father about clubs that interested him, despite being told that he was too young. His relentless pursuit eventually led to a tryout with Vélez Sarsfield, a significant stepping stone that opened the doors to professional football.

At the age of 17, long before he had made his first-division debut, Soulé received a call-up to the Argentine national team setup. It was there that he met Lionel Messi for the first time. The encounter was surreal, even overwhelming, for the young midfielder. The awe of being in Messi’s presence stayed with him, even though their interaction was brief. Just the opportunity to train with the world’s best was enough to leave a lasting impression.

Later, his career took him to Italy, where he joined Juventus during a golden period in the club’s history. Juventus were serial winners in Serie A at the time, and Soulé found himself training alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Although he was only with the Portuguese superstar for about a month, the experience was profound. Ronaldo, who spoke Spanish, left a powerful impression on the young Argentine with his professionalism and presence. The Juventus dressing room was filled with stars, including Paulo Dybala, and Soulé made his Serie A debut in this environment. Being surrounded by such talent at a formative age was nothing short of extraordinary.

Fast forward to his recent goal against Inter—an unexpected triumph that boosted his team’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League. The victory was vital, particularly with only a handful of matches remaining in the season. Soulé understands the importance of each point and the high stakes ahead, especially in matches like the upcoming clash against Fiorentina. The goal also resonated beyond his own team, delighting Napoli fans who reached out to him with messages of gratitude.

Though his focus remains on his current season, Soulé hasn’t forgotten his roots. He left Argentina at a young age, but the dream of playing in his homeland remains alive. Independiente holds a special place in his heart—his father’s favorite club and a team his whole family supports. While he doesn’t feel pressured to return, the idea of one day wearing the Independiente shirt is something he holds onto.

His national team journey has already begun. Being called up to represent Argentina was a childhood dream realized. He had previously been included in camps even before making his senior debut, and the presence of fellow Argentines like Dybala and Paredes made the experience even more meaningful. Recently, Italy’s manager Luciano Spalletti expressed interest in drafting him ahead of the European Championship, even visiting him at Frosinone. However, Soulé politely declined, affirming his deep connection to Argentina.

Among the many anecdotes in his early career is a humorous moment involving Massimiliano Allegri, the Juventus manager, who disapproved of Soulé’s platinum blonde hairstyle. Without much discussion, he was firmly told to change it—and did so the next day, enduring playful teasing from teammates like Di Maria and Paredes.

From humble beginnings in rural Argentina to playing on some of football’s biggest stages, Matías Soulé’s rise continues. Grounded yet ambitious, he represents the next wave of Argentine talent prepared to make an impact on both club and international levels.

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