In Córdoba, beneath the lights of the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Real Betis defender Valentín Gómez stepped into a new Argentina chapter. The 23-year-old centre-back made his senior international debut in the 4-0 friendly victory over Bolivia, Argentina’s first match since Lionel Messi ended his national-team career.
Gómez entered in the 81st minute, replacing Lisandro Martínez, and became the 70th player to earn a first senior Argentina appearance under coach Lionel Scaloni. Messi, whose international retirement has brought an end to one of the defining eras in the country’s football history, is due to receive a tribute in Buenos Aires next week.
For Gómez, the call-up completes a route that began in the youth ranks. He played 11 times for Argentina’s under-20 side, but had not returned to the national setup after the team’s round-of-16 exit at the 2023 Under-20 World Cup. His appearance against Bolivia was therefore his first involvement with the senior Albiceleste.
From Vélez to Seville, then Córdoba
The defender arrived in Andalusia during the summer of 2025, when Betis acquired 90 per cent of his rights from Vélez Sarsfield for €5.3 million. Since settling at the Benito Villamarín, Gómez has made 45 competitive appearances for the Seville club, scoring once and collecting eight yellow cards.
His market value is currently placed at €12 million. More importantly for Betis, his first steps with Argentina have added an international dimension to a player who has become a regular presence in their defensive options after crossing from Buenos Aires to southern Spain.
