Argentina’s national team coach, Lionel Scaloni, has unveiled his preliminary 55-man squad for the upcoming World Cup. Alongside superstars like Lionel Messi (38), the roster includes Bundesliga talents such as Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios (27) and Equi Fernández (23), as well as a surprise inclusion: Hamburg SV’s Nicolás Capaldo. Notably absent are players like Paulo Dybala (32, AS Roma) and Taty Castellanos (27, West Ham), the latter being the most valuable Argentine omitted with a market value of €28 million. For Capaldo, this call-up is a testament to his impressive development and strong performances in Hamburg.
Signed from Red Bull Salzburg last summer for €2.1 million, Capaldo quickly became a cornerstone of coach Merlin Polzin’s system, described as a “very important player” in the team’s structure. Throughout much of the season, the 27-year-old deputized as captain in place of Yussuf Poulsen (31). Initially deployed in midfield, injuries forced Capaldo into central defense, where he truly flourished. He has become indispensable to HSV’s starting lineup, symbolizing the club’s resurgence this year, which has lifted the promoted side into a secure mid-table position in the Bundesliga (currently 10th in the year-end table).
“Capaldo has thrived in his new role; he’s playing exceptionally well. In the center, he covers a lot of ground. Now he reads the game better and decides when to join the attack. When there’s space, he’s very dynamic. He charges forward with pace, which hurts the opposition,” said former professional Rodolfo Cardoso to *Bild*. Cardoso, who coaches the HSV women’s team, has followed Capaldo since his move. “Capaldo is incredibly fast, strong in duels, and never tires. Even though he’s not very tall, he holds his own in the air thanks to his good jumping ability.”
Aside from injuries and a suspension, Capaldo has only spent one game on the bench. In 26 appearances totaling 2,040 minutes, he has contributed one goal and two assists. After a market value drop following his transfer, he managed to raise it back to €5 million in March. The next update on May 27 could see another increase, with Transfermarkt users currently predicting an average rise to around €8 million.
“Capaldo is so vital for the team. He fully embraces the captain’s role, just as he does as a center-back. He drives our game forward. His fighting spirit, many tackles, and powerful runs after winning the ball are crucial. No one on the team drives the ball forward like him. Alongside Vieira and Vuskovic, he’s one of our most important players,” wrote HSV fan “HectorBarbossa”. Scaloni’s recognition is another strong argument for a market value upgrade. Until now, Capaldo had only worn the Albiceleste jersey for the U23 team.
While his chances of making the star-studded final Argentine squad are slim, Capaldo’s World Cup dream remains alive. “Everyone dreams of playing at a World Cup. I experienced the last tournament with my family when Argentina won,” he said.
