Man City wonderkid Claudio Echeverri earns shock senior Argentina call-up as he joins Lionel Messi in preliminary squad for Brazil & Uruguay World Cup qualifying showdowns

The 19-year-old starlet has been called up to Lionel Scaloni's preliminary senior squad for the clashes later this month alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez - despite the fact he is yet to make his City debut.

Echeverri's City bow has been delayed by his involvement in the Under-20 South American Championship in Venezuela, and his call-up seems to be reward for his stellar performances there. The teenage attacking midfielder racked up nine goal involvements in nine games, including six strikes of his own, although Argentina's arch-rivals Brazil ultimately triumphed.

City signed Echeverri from River Plate in January 2024 for a reported fee of £12.5 million ($15.7m) plus add-ons before sending him back on loan to the Argentine giants for the rest of the year. He has now finally joined up with his new club ahead of the run-in and has been handed the No.30 shirt at the Etihad Stadium.

It remains to be seen when Echeverri will be deemed ready to make his debut for his new club, but it is feasible that he makes his first senior international appearance before that. City travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, while Argentina continue their World Cup qualifying campaign against Uruguay on March 22.