Four national options for Juventus striker Mateo Santa María

Juventus youth striker Mateo Santa María, born in Spain to a Brazilian mother and Argentine father, has confirmed his international allegiance by accepting a call‑up to Argentina’s under‑17 side for the upcoming Vertex Cup in London under coach Diego Placente, after weighing four possible national teams.

Born in Spain to a Brazilian mother and an Argentine father, the forward was eligible for Spain, Brazil, Italy and Argentina. After representing Italy (Italia)’s under‑16 side, he ultimately resolved his future by committing to the Albiceleste. He turned down the other three options in favour of Argentina.

Juventus youth record

Juventus have recorded 17 goals and three assists from him in 28 youth appearances, playing as a centre‑forward or left winger. The club signed him from Cornellà and Levante following nine goals in Cadete A early in 2025. The name appears on his registration as MATEO SANTA MARÍA.

Placente's Argentina U‑17 squad

Coach Diego Placente officially added him to the Argentina (Selección Argentina) under‑17 squad for the Vertex Cup in London. The tournament serves as a high‑level test ahead of the Qatar World Cup. He expressed his gratitude, saying “Agradecido por la oportunidad”.

Goalkeeper José Castelau de Roa, 1.91 m tall and a Real Madrid academy product born in Getafe, also chose the Albiceleste after a spell with Spanish youth sides. He featured in Argentina’s bronze‑medal South American U‑15 campaign in 2025 and in the L’Alcúdia and U‑17 World Cup squads.

Defender Lucas Pilili Rodríguez, a Villarreal academy graduate born in Spain with Jujuy roots, was previously called up by the Spanish federation while at Tenerife. He now joins the Argentine youth set‑up alongside Santa María.

The Vertex Cup will act as a crucial rehearsal before the under‑17 World Cup in Qatar. Argentina will look to blend European‑trained talent with its South American core.