Analysis: Flaco López bows out before World Cup as Palmeiras star | OneFootball

Called up to represent the Argentina national team at the 2026 World Cup, Flaco López said a temporary goodbye to Palmeiras in the best way possible. In his final match before joining La Albiceleste, the striker led the 4-1 win over Junior Barranquilla this Thursday (28) at Allianz Parque and was the standout player in Palmeiras’ qualification for the Copa Libertadores round of 16.

The No. 42 will not be available to Abel Ferreira for Sunday’s (31) clash against Chapecoense in the Brasileirão, precisely because of his World Cup call-up. His performance against the Colombians therefore had the feel of a farewell — at least until his return after the World Cup.

More than just the numbers, Flaco showed the progress he has made since Vitor Roque’s injury. If at other times he had been criticized for inconsistency and excessive individualism, this time he took on the role of playmaker.

He was directly involved in the team’s attacking buildup, provided two assists for Jhon Arias and one for Allan, even if unintentionally, hit the woodwork twice, and was constantly the player who found solutions to break down the opposition’s marking.

His understanding with Arias was decisive in the victory. The two players called up for the World Cup were involved in Palmeiras’ first three goals. On the first, Flaco found the Colombian making a run into the box. On the third, he burst forward on an individual play and once again set up his teammate. In between, he also took part in the pressure that led to Allan’s goal.

The recognition came from the stands. Given a standing ovation when he was substituted, Flaco left the pitch with the fans chanting his name, a reflection of the growth he has built over the past few seasons.

The match also reinforced the importance the Argentine has gained within the squad. With nine assists in 2026, he reached 21 assists for Palmeiras this century, putting him in the club’s Top 20 in that span. In addition, he drew level with former playmaker Jorge Valdivia in third place among the foreign players with the most wins in Palmeiras history, with 122 victories.

The performance comes at a strategic moment. At 25 and called up for his first World Cup, Flaco arrives on the European market with his stock rising. Internally, there is an expectation that significant offers will come in after the World Cup, which increases the possibility that this was one of his last major performances in a Palmeiras shirt.

Not everything, however, was perfect for Verdão. The team once again showed defensive difficulties, came under pressure in the opening minutes of both halves, and allowed spaces to Junior Barranquilla. The difference was precisely the individual quality of its main players. When the game demanded leadership, Flaco López and Jhon Arias delivered.

The qualification came, but without top spot in the group. With Cerro Porteño’s win over Sporting Cristal, Palmeiras finished Group F in second place with 11 points, recording their worst Libertadores group-stage campaign since beginning their run of qualifications for the knockout rounds.

Now Verdão awaits Friday’s draw for the round of 16, while Flaco López temporarily swaps green for Argentina’s blue and white. The night against Junior summed up his evolution: less dependent on goals, more involved, and increasingly decisive. A farewell worthy of the most important moment of his career.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.