MLS superstar Thiago Almada is headed to the Olympic Games! Atlanta United's talisman leads Argentina to victory over Brazil in Conmebol qualifier - seeing them through to Paris while ending archrival's three-peat attempt

A 74th minute game-winning goal from Luciano Gondou in a decisive South American qualifier saw Almada and co. advance to this summer's Paris Games. Brazil needed a win or a draw to advance, while Argentina required a victory to surge past their archrivals in qualifying. The Selecao, unexpectedly, crashed out and as a result will not defend their two-straight Gold Medals in this summer's Games.

Almada is one of the hottest commodities on the transfer market at the moment, with clubs all around Europe scouting the Argentine. The 22-year-old has admitted that he wants to move abroad and play in the UEFA Champions League, with Atlanta set to honor his request if a proper bid were to arrive. However, with the winter transfer window now closed, no movement will be made until this summer for the MLS superstar.

As for the Argentine U-23 team, preparations will now be in place for this summer's tournament. Almada will play a crucial role in the upcoming Paris Games, but expectations will be high following their 2022 senior-team's FIFA World Cup title.

Almada was named MLS Young Player of the Year in 2023 after scoring 11 goals and adding 19 assists across the campaign.

Almada and co. will go about celebrating their qualification over the next few days, with La Albiceleste then going about preparing for this summer's tournament. The MLS star will report back to Atlanta United this week, with the Five Stripes just nearing the end of their preseason.