How Palmeiras shaped Flaco López into Argentina’s semi-final catalyst | OneFootball

Flaco López delivered the decisive assist in the second half of extra time as Argentina beat Switzerland to reach the World Cup last four.

According to Globo.com, his rise owes much to the work done at Palmeiras.

In June 2024 Abel Ferreira said he believed the striker would make Argentina’s squad, citing his unique qualities.

The first call came in August 2025, and he is now in the group set to face England at 16:00 on Wednesday.

López joined Palmeiras in 2022 from Lanús for $7 million, aged 21, and needed time to adapt.

Ferreira kept faith, refining his target-man play, movement and defensive work. The move for Argentina’s second saw him drag three markers wide, freeing Julián Álvarez to score.

His output rose to 22 goals and seven assists in 2024, then 25 goals and six assists in 2025, and 14 goals and eight assists midway through 2026.

He has added at least 10 kg of muscle and toughened mentally, helped by the club’s data team. In March, Ferreira said he values him at €50 million, and Atlético de Madrid showed interest before the World Cup.

López is under contract until the end of 2029, and a sale is not planned. Palmeiras aim to keep key players in 2026, they lead the Brasileiro and are in the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil last 16.

He is likely to miss Palmeiras’ league return against Coritiba on 22 July.

Source: Globo.com