Silvetti, Argentina advance to U-20 World Cup semifinals
Mateo Silvetti, who joined Inter Miami in August, has scored twice for La Albiceleste in the knockout stage of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. Argentina will play Colombia on Wednesday.
Inter Miami newcomer Mateo Silvetti has scored late goals for Argentina against Nigeria and Mexico in the FIFA U-20 World Cup; La Albiceleste will play Colombia in the semifinals Wednesday. CREDIT: FIFA
‘Knockout-stage assassin’
Mateo Silvetti is making a name for himself at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile, recording two goals and an assist in Argentina’s first five matches. An uncredited article at FIFA.com dubbed the young forward a “knockout-stage assassin” after he scored late goals against Nigeria in the round of 16 and Mexico in the quarterfinals.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder, Inter Miami’s most recent signing, hopes to continue his success when La Albiceleste plays Colombia at 6 p.m. CT Wednesday in the semifinals. Morocco and France play in the first semifinal at 3 p.m. The winners will compete for the Cup at 6 p.m. CT Sunday.
The semifinals and final will be broadcast by FS2.
Relatively unknown outside Argentina before this tournament, Silvetti has made the most of his opportunities. “Toto” has come off the bench in four of Argentina’s five matches, registering an assist in an 11-minute outing against Cuba, didn’t play against Australia but has earned increased minutes against Italy (19), Nigeria (27), and Mexico (45).
See highlights of Argentina’s 2-0 win against Mexico here.
Inter Miami CF manager Javier Mascherano worked with Silvetti when he coached Argentina’s U20 team; the Herons signed the youngster to a four-year contract in August.
“He’s a very serious young man, seems older than he is because of his maturity level,” Mascherano told Miami Herald soccer writer Michelle Kaufman at the time.
“He’s a young player I know…he’s very intelligent with promising capabilities,” he continued. “I think he will strengthen that position. He can play outside, inside, center forward. He adapts to different situations. He is similar to Tadeo Allende, but maybe with more 1-v-1 tendencies. Most of all, he has a very good head for the game and that is important.”
Silvetti is from Rosario, the hometown of new teammate Lionel Messi and former Herons coach Tata Martino and, like Messi and Martino, began his professional career at Newell’s Old Boys.
Expect Mascherano to give Silvetti every opportunity to break into Inter Miami’s starting lineup in the near — maybe very near — future.