Valentín Castellanos Aims for 2026 World Cup: Eager to Support Argentina
Valentín Castellanos, a forward hailing from Mendoza, is determined to rejoin the Argentina national team for the 2026 World Cup. After signing with West Ham United, the former Lazio player is optimistic about his prospects under coach Lionel Scaloni.
Recent Achievements in the Premier League
In a recent interview with Corriere dello Sport, Castellanos expressed enthusiasm about his transition to the Premier League. He celebrated scoring his first goal for West Ham against Queens Park Rangers, calling it a significant step forward. He hopes this will be the first of many goals at the iconic London Stadium.
Castellanos praised West Ham for its organization and welcoming atmosphere. He noted the importance of knowing national teammate Guido Rodríguez, stating that sharing a dressing room with a World Champion is inspiring. Additionally, he expressed gratitude for the warm reception from fans, which motivates him to perform well.
Life in London and Personal Interests
Adapting to life in London has been positive for Castellanos, despite the occasionally harsh weather. He mentioned finding comfort in the city, which reminds him of New York, where he lived for four years. Castellanos enjoys video games and chess in his spare time, eagerly awaiting opportunities to challenge his teammates.
Aiming for the 2026 World Cup
Looking ahead, Castellanos is eager to return to the Argentina national team. He made his debut against Chile, an experience he found incredible, especially while playing alongside football legend Lionel Messi. His ambition is clear: he wants to help Argentina defend its title in the 2026 World Cup. He acknowledges that his selection depends heavily on his performance at West Ham.
Reflecting on His Roots
Castellanos frequently reminisces about his childhood in Mendoza. He fondly remembers playing football barefoot in the streets until midnight. Although he didn’t support a specific team, he admired Messi and Diego Maradona. Growing up, he woke up early to watch Premier League matches, where he first encountered West Ham and its stars, Carlos Tévez and Javier Mascherano.
Now that he has joined the team he once admired, Castellanos considers it a dream come true. He recalls scoring four goals against Real Madrid as one of the highlights of his career. As he embarks on this exciting chapter in the Premier League, his sights are firmly set on representing Argentina on the world stage in 2026.
