Leonardo Flores in line for Boca start after Argentina debut
Leonardo Flores could be handed a Boca Juniors start against Unión less than two days after making an assured senior debut for Argentina in the win over Bolivia in Córdoba.
The 2007-born winger entered for Lisandro Martínez for the final 10 minutes at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes and immediately played with the confidence that has accelerated his rise at club level. Flores came close to scoring on his first international appearance, only for Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra to push his sharp volley away.
Argentina’s four-goal victory offered Flores a brief but notable introduction to the senior side, and Boca coach Vasco Arruabarrena is now considering him for a place alongside Miguel Merentiel against Unión. Sebastián Villa is unavailable after developing a fever, creating a potential opening in the attack.
Scaloni urges patience over Flores
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni praised the teenager’s willingness to show his normal game on a larger stage, while making clear that his development must be managed carefully.
“We ask the players to be themselves, as they are with their clubs,” Scaloni said after the match. “If they came here and were unable to do that, then it would concern us.
“Leo does very well, but we need to protect him. We have to stay close and support him. Vasco Arruabarrena and Mono Markic know how to manage him at Boca.”
Scaloni also placed Flores alongside Franco Mastantuono as one of Argentina’s young talents requiring time and support rather than immediate pressure.
“He is a player we must develop, as we do with Franco,” Scaloni added. “That is the way to achieve results. It would be wonderful if he could repeat in every match what he showed in those 10 minutes, but we have to remain calm. We will always take care of him.”
A rapid move from Boca to Argentina
Flores has made only 17 competitive first-team appearances since joining Boca’s senior setup in mid-July 2026, underlining the speed of his progression from club prospect to Argentina international.
The forward said his approach would not change simply because of the opposition or the occasion.
“I am happy with the minutes I was given,” Flores said. “Football makes me happy. I have had a lot of personality since I was a child, and when I play, it does not matter who is in front of me.”
Argentina will next face Burkina Faso in San Juan in a friendly before Lionel Messi’s farewell match against Benin at Estadio Monumental. For Flores, the immediate challenge is to turn an encouraging international cameo into a larger role for Boca during a demanding domestic schedule.
