Former West Ham midfielder Guido Rodriguez’s remarkable turnaround is set to continue with a call-up to Argentina’s World Cup squad.
Rodriguez joined the Hammers from Real Betis in 2024 and made just 32 appearances during his 18 months at the London Stadium.
The Argentine then returned to La Liga in the January transfer window after his contract with West Ham was mutually terminated.
Rodriguez’s arrival coincided with Valencia’s rise up the table from the middle of a relegation battle to ninth place on the final day.
The 32-year-old’s impressive form is now likely to be rewarded with another opportunity to represent Argentina at the World Cup.
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Guido Rodriguez set to join Lionel Messi and Argentina at the World Cup
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has been weighing up his options to replace Marseille central defender Leonardo Balerdi.
Balerdi has been ruled out of this summer’s tournament following a calf injury, with several quality players vying to take his place.
Imminent Tottenham signing Marco Senesi, who enjoyed an excellent 2025/26 season with Bournemouth, appears to be the obvious answer.
However, with four centre-backs in the squad already, Scaloni is reportedly looking to add more depth to another position.
Argentine sports network TyC Sports has reported that Guido Rodriguez, Emiliano Buendia and Maximo Perrone are the three contenders.
Having said that, Rodriguez has already emerged as the “top candidate”, as his inclusion is expected to be announced on Wednesday.
Where do YOU think it went wrong for Guido Rodriguez? 🇦🇷
And is letting him go the right move?
Rodriguez has played 30 times for the Argentine national team and was part of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad.
He will provide competition for the Chelsea duo of Enzo Fernandez and Valentin Barco, as well as Giovani Lo Celso and Exequiel Palacios.
West Ham supporters must be wondering why they never saw the best of Rodriguez in a claret and blue shirt.
It was clearly not a case of ability, but perhaps that his style of play did not suit the fast-paced Premier League.
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