Herons’ newcomer Silvetti records assist at U20 World Cup
Mateo Silvetti, who signed with Inter Miami earlier this month, was a late substitute in Argentina’s 3-1 win against Cuba.
Inter Miami CF newcomer Mateo Silvetti, a forward, is playing for Argentina at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. CREDIT: Inter Miami CF
Mateo Silvetti entered Argentina’s U20 World Cup match against Cuba in the 79th minute Sunday; 11 minutes later, the recent Inter Miami signing assisted Ian Subiabre on La Albiceleste’s third goal in a 3-1 Argentina win.
The 19-year-old’s production is encouraging for Herons’ fans — like me — who want to see more from the youngster for Los Garzas.
One of Inter Miami’s unresolved challenges from the past season is finding a reliable substitute for striker Luis Suarez, 38. The Uruguayan icon has been more productive than we could have hoped, given his age and creaky knees; he has 41 goals and 29 assists — 70 goal contributions — in 79 appearances for the Pink & Black. But Suarez’ contract ends Dec. 31 and, considering his age and his churlish behavior (biting opponents, spitting on security officials, allegedly using racial slurs, and ceaseless whining on the pitch), El Pistolero may not be asked back.
Silvetti’s, on the other hand, is signed through 2028. Even if Suarez plays another year (or two) in South Florida, Silvetti seems the frontrunner to replace him in the Herons’ attack. Because, frankly, there isn’t anyone else.
In March, Miami acquired Ecuadorian striker Allen Obando, another 19-year-old, on loan from Barcelona (not Suarez’ old team, a club in the Ecuadorian Premier League). Obando was expected to be Suarez’ understudy, but he’s been sidelined by a series of minor injuries and tallied a single goal in just six appearances.
The Argentina U20 side meets Australia on Wednesday and Italy on Saturday in the FIFA U20 World Cup group stage. Both matches kick off at 6 p.m. CT at Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander in Valparaiso, Chile. Supporters can watch the matches on Fox Sports, Telemundo, NBC Universo, and on the Argentina national team’s social media platforms.