He turned his back on Lionel Messi, now he's a póker king in Europe

Football is full of stories of overcoming challenges and opportunities that arise at the most unexpected time. Mateo Retegui's is one such story, a tale of a striker who knew how to reinvent himself and who today shines with his own light in European football.

Born in San Fernando, Buenos Aires province, Retegui came from the youth ranks of Boca Juniors, one of the biggest clubs in Argentina. However, his beginnings were not easy. Despite his talent, he failed to establish himself in the team and was loaned out to several smaller clubs.

The resurgence in Italy

It was in Italy that Retegui found his place in the world. After a brief stint at Genoa, he landed at Atalanta, a club where he has unlocked his full potential. In the current Serie A season, the Argentinian striker has 20 goals in 24 games, becoming the top scorer in the tournament.

His last match was a dream come true. On 8 February 2025, Atalanta visited Hellas Verona and thrashed them 5-0, with four goals from Retegui. The Argentinian's poker not only allowed him to reach twenty goals in the season, but also catapulted him to the top of the scorers' table and made him the first player to score four goals in a Serie A match since Spaniard Alvaro Morata did so in 2020.

Why Italy?

Retegui's explosion in Italy is no coincidence. The striker, who also holds Italian nationality, knew how to see an opportunity where others didn't. With the Argentinian national team full of stars, Retegui knew that his chances of wearing the Albiceleste jersey were slim. That's why he didn't hesitate to accept the call-up from the Italian national team and today he is one of the referents of the team.

Retegui's future

At 24 years old, Retegui has a promising future ahead of him. His goalscoring nose, his adaptability and his ambition make him a highly sought-after striker. It would not be surprising if in the next transfer windows, the big clubs of Europe set their sights on him.

Meanwhile, Retegui continues to enjoy his present at Atalanta, where he has become an idol and a fundamental player for the team. His story is an example that with work, perseverance and belief in oneself, dreams can come true.