Scaloni Urges Patience After Boca Teen Leo Flores Shines on Argentina Debut
Leo Flores made his senior Argentina debut in a 4-0 friendly win over Bolivia in Cordoba, and Lionel Scaloni has immediately urged caution over the Boca Juniors teenager’s rapid rise.
Flores delivers fearless first Argentina appearance
The 19-year-old winger entered with 10 minutes left at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, replacing Lisandro Martinez, and brought instant energy to Argentina’s closing spell.
Flores repeatedly took on defenders and came close to scoring on his first international outing. He met a Roman Vega delivery with a volley, but Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra kept it out.
The performance came in front of a buoyant Cordoba crowd as the 2026 World Cup runners-up completed an emphatic four-goal victory.
Scaloni calls for careful management
Scaloni said Flores had followed the instructions given to him before coming on: reproduce the level and personality that earned him his Boca place.
The Argentina coach said the concern would only arise if young players arrived with the national team and failed to show their club form. He praised Flores for doing so, while stressing that the winger must be protected and handled properly.
Scaloni also pointed to Boca figures El Vasco Arruabarrena and El Mono Markic as people capable of managing the youngster’s development. He grouped Flores with Franco Mastantuono as a talent requiring patience rather than impossible expectations after one impressive cameo.
“We have to keep calm,” Scaloni said in essence, adding that Argentina would continue to look after the forward.
From Boca breakthrough to international debut
- Flores made his Boca senior debut on July 16, 2026.
- He has since registered 17 first-team appearances for the club.
- He received his first Argentina call-up and was introduced late against Bolivia in Cordoba.
- His volley from Vega’s cross forced Viscarra into a save as Argentina sealed a 4-0 result.
Flores described his Argentina bow as the fulfilment of a childhood ambition and credited his family for supporting him throughout his journey. He said the next task is to keep progressing.
The forward revealed Scaloni’s message was simple: play as he does for Boca. Flores said he entered composed and confident after receiving that backing from the coach.
He also made clear that he will not be intimidated by the step up. Flores said football has always made him happy and that he has carried strong personality onto the pitch since childhood, regardless of the opponent in front of him.
What happens next for Argentina and Flores
Argentina face Burkina Faso in another friendly on October 3 before Lionel Messi is set for an emotional farewell appearance against Benin at Estadio Monumental three days later.
Those matches give Scaloni a chance to continue reshaping his group. Flores’ sharp 10-minute contribution has strengthened his case for more minutes if the coach rotates his squad.
Key takeaways
- Flores, 19, made his full senior Argentina debut in the 4-0 win over Bolivia.
- The Boca winger nearly scored after arriving as a late substitute for Lisandro Martinez.
- Scaloni praised the display but insisted the youngster’s progress must be managed carefully.
- Flores has made 17 senior Boca appearances since debuting on July 16, 2026.
- Argentina next play Burkina Faso on October 3, followed by Benin three days later.
