"From Street Vendor to Superstar: Argentina Welcomes 21-Year-Old to National Team Following Remarkable Journey"

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Lautaro Rivero's Journey
• Early Life
• Rise to Fame
• Professional Career
• Conclusion

A FORMER street vendor has been selected for the Argentina national team.

National team coach Lionel Scaloni has generated excitement by including several unexpected players in the squad for upcoming friendly matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

Lautaro Rivero has risen through the ranks to join River Plate and now has the opportunity to represent his country. A few years ago, he was selling alfajores on the streets, but he never gave up on his football aspirations.

However, it is the inclusion of 21-year-old Lautaro Rivero, a former street vendor whose remarkable journey from adversity to success has inspired many.

Rivero, a left-footed centre-back, attracted attention when River Plate recently activated their buy-back clause to bring him back to the team.

Before his ascent, life was challenging. Until just a few years ago, Rivero was selling alfajores, a popular South American cookie, on the streets to support his family.

Born and raised in Moreno with five siblings, Rivero began his football career at the local club Los Halcones, just a few blocks from his home.

He spent his early years developing his skills by playing in the vacant lots of his neighborhood before moving on to Villa Luro Norte and La Victoria.

At the age of 14, Rivero was recruited by River Plate’s youth academy.

In 2022, Rivero shared with River Plate’s official website: “We come from humble beginnings and work hard every day.

“My greatest wish is to see my family thrive. I want my parents and siblings to have everything they deserve.

“Thanks to them, I’m here, working hard every day.”

Initially playing as a left midfielder, Rivero’s height of 1.85m and his natural left foot allowed him to transition to centre-back, where he quickly became a standout player, even captaining several youth teams.

By 2021, Rivero advanced to the reserves, competing in Argentina’s lower leagues.

On the verge of free agency at the end of 2023, he signed his first professional contract with the club.

In 2024, he established himself as a key defender for the reserve team, catching the attention of River Plate's head coach Martín Demichelis, who included him in the club’s Copa Libertadores squad.

However, facing stiff competition for playing time, Rivero sought regular game action by going on loan to fellow top-tier team Central Cordoba.

Rivero made his debut for Cordoba last June in a 4-2 defeat against Talleres under coach Lucas González Vélez.

He started in most matches under González Vélez but was sidelined by his successor Omar De Felippe, missing several games, including the Copa Argentina final.

The departures of Sebastian Valdez and Jonathan Rak opened up opportunities for Rivero to secure his position alongside Lucas Abascia, a member of Central Cordoba’s championship-winning squad.

By 2025, Rivero emerged as one of the top centre-backs in Argentina, shining in a historic 2-1 victory over Flamengo at the Maracana—a performance that solidified his status as a key player for his loan club.

Before being recalled by River Plate, Rivero accumulated 30 appearances, scored two goals, and provided one assist.

He also played every minute of Central Cordoba’s six Copa Libertadores matches.

From selling sweets on the streets to donning the Albiceleste jersey, Lautaro Rivero’s story is one of resilience, talent, and dreams fulfilled.

Scaloni won the World Cup in Qatar and will attempt to defend it next year. ### FAQ