Thiago Almada was called to Argentina’s national team Thursday, joining Miles Robinson as the second Atlanta United player to join a national team for the coming FIFA window.
Robinson was called up by the U.S. on Wednesday.
Almada was one of three MLS-based players, including Lionel Messi, called to Argentina’s team for its coming World Cup qualifying matches against Ecuador in Buenos Aires on Sept. 7 and Bolivia in La Paz on Sept. 12. Bolivia will include Atlanta United 2 player Efrain Morales.
Atlanta United will host Messi-led Miami on Sept. 16.
Almada has four appearances, with one goal, for Argentina. He has nine goals and 13 assists for Atlanta United this season and is considered one of league’s more talented players.
The 2026 World Cup will be played in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Atlanta was selected by FIFA as one of the host cities.
Saba Lobjanidze was called up by Georgia Thursday afternoon. Georgia is scheduled to face Spain on Sept. 8 and will host Norway on Sept. 12. Both matches are qualifiers for the European Championships.
Other Atlanta United players who may get called up include Luis Abram (Peru), Ronald Hernandez (Venezuela), Derrick Etienne (Haiti), Ajani Fortune (Trinidad and Tobago), Giorgos Giakoumakis (Greece) and Machop Chol (South Sudan).
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Atlanta United’s 2023 MLS schedule
Feb. 25 Atlanta United 2, San Jose Earthquakes 1
March 4 Atlanta United 1, Toronto FC 1
March 11 Atlanta United 3, Charlotte FC 0
March 18 Atlanta United 5, Portland 1
March 25 Columbus 6, Atlanta United 1
April 1 Atlanta United 1, New York Red Bulls 0
April 8 Atlanta United 1, New York City FC 1
April 15 Atlanta United 2, Toronto FC 2
April 23 Atlanta United 2, Chicago 1
April 29 Nashville SC 3, Atlanta United 1
May 6 Inter Miami CF 2, Atlanta United 1
May 13 Charlotte 3, Atlanta United 1
May 17 Atlanta United 4, Colorado 0
May 20 Atlanta United 3, Chicago 3
May 27 Atlanta United 1, Orlando 1
May 31 Atlanta United 3, New England 3
June 7 Atlanta United 0, LAFC 0
June 10 Atlanta United 3, D.C. United 1
June 21 Atlanta United 2, New York City 2
June 24 New York Red Bulls 4, Atlanta United 0
July 2 Atlanta United 2, Philadelphia 0
July 8 Atlanta United 1, Montreal 0
July 12 New England 2, Atlanta United 1
July 15 Orlando City 2, Atlanta United 1
July 25 Miami 4, Atlanta United 0 in Leagues Cup
July 29 Cruz Azul 1 (5), Atlanta United (4) 1 in Leagues Cup
Aug. 20 Atlanta United 2, Seattle 0
Aug. 26 Atlanta United 4, Nashville 0
Aug. 30 Cincinnati 2, Atlanta United 1
Sept. 2 at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 vs. Inter Miami CF, 5 p.m.
Sept. 20 at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Philadelphia Union, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 7 vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21 at FC Cincinnati, TBA
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