In a turn of events that feels pulled straight from a football fairytale, Aston Villa playmaker Emi Buendía has been placed on high alert for a potential emergency call-up to Argentina’s World Cup squad.
After a grueling season that saw the 29-year-old transform from a fringe player into a European champion, Buendía’s persistence is finally being recognized by the Albiceleste hierarchy. Despite initially missing out on Lionel Scaloni’s final 26-man roster, the Villa star has been instructed to cancel his summer holiday plans and remain in peak physical condition—a clear signal that the reigning world champions are preparing for a forced change to their lineup.
The Injury Crisis in the Argentina Camp
Argentina’s preparations for their defense of the World Cup title have been thrown into turmoil due to significant fitness concerns within their attacking ranks. Reports indicate that youngster Nico Paz has suffered a knee injury, while Thiago Almada is currently sidelined with severe muscular overload and physical fatigue.
With the tournament opener against Argentina just under two weeks away on June 16, the medical staff is facing a race against time to determine the fitness of both players. Recognizing the need for immediate, high-level cover, Scaloni’s camp has officially reached out to Buendía, designating him as the primary emergency replacement should either of the injured creative assets be ruled out.
A Season of Redemption
This call to action is the ultimate validation of Buendía’s meteoric rise under Unai Emery this season. The Argentine No. 10 has enjoyed a stellar 2025/26 campaign, directly contributing to 20 goals across all competitions.
His season reached its absolute crescendo in the Europa League final, where Buendía put on a masterclass against SC Freiburg, earning the Man of the Match award and cementing his status as one of the Premier League’s most resilient playmakers. Having been written off by many as surplus to requirements last summer, Buendía has fought his way back into the spotlight through sheer tenacity and clinical output.
Boarding the Flight to the USA
For the Villa faithful, seeing their talisman walk out onto the world’s grandest stage would be the perfect conclusion to a historic campaign. While the circumstances—a teammate’s injury—are unfortunate, an emergency call-up would serve as a deserved reward for a player who has refused to give up on his international dream.
Should the call officially come, Buendía is perfectly primed to step out of the shadows. His ability to operate in tight spaces, combined with his recent high-stakes experience in Europe, makes him a dangerous weapon for Argentina to utilize in the United States.
The next few days will be agonizing as Scaloni evaluates his squad, but for Emi Buendía, the door to the World Cup has been kicked wide open. The Villa playmaker is ready to seize the chance of a lifetime.
