Leonel Flores Shrugs Off Fatigue After Boca Juniors and Argentina Double
Argentina teenager Flores has dismissed fatigue fears after appearing for club and country on successive days, insisting he would be ready to play again after helping the world champions crush Burkina Faso 7-0 at the Estadio Monumental.
Flores returns for Argentina after Boca double
The 19-year-old winger came on at half-time in Saturday’s friendly, replacing Gianluca Prestianni, only hours after delivering a match-winning two-goal performance for Boca Juniors against Unión de Santa Fe at La Bombonera on Friday.
- Flores made his senior Argentina debut against Bolivia on Wednesday night.
- He scored twice for Boca on Friday, securing the win over Unión.
- He rejoined Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad immediately afterwards.
- He entered Saturday’s 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso at the interval and helped create Argentina’s final two goals from the left wing.
His Boca brace stretched the club’s unbeaten run to 16 matches and moved Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s team into second place in Torneo Clausura Zone A.
Teenager insists he has energy for more
Flores said the demanding schedule has not troubled him and stressed that playing regularly is exactly what he wants.
“I’m 19, so it is not a big issue,” he said. “I have the energy to play another game if it is possible, and I love doing it. I would rather play than spend too much time out.”
Reflecting on a remarkable run of appearances across three days, he added that the situation felt “crazy” but that simply being part of the Argentina group was enough for him.
“I played yesterday and then today,” Flores said. “There was no discussion beforehand. Whether he wants to use me for a long time, a short time or not at all, I’m happy just to be here.”
Benin friendly next as Messi farewell approaches
Argentina close their October fixtures on Tuesday, October 6, when Benin visit the Monumental for what is set to be Lionel Messi’s final match for the national team.
Flores now has the chance to finish an extraordinary week alongside Argentina’s captain before returning to Boca, where his availability will be tested by the club’s push for a Torneo Clausura knockout-round place.
