Aaron Anselmino, the 21-year-old defender who left Boca Juniors for Chelsea, has been called up by Lionel Scaloni to the Argentina senior national team for the first time, for the November friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica — despite playing just 36 official minutes across the entire 2026 season, Tycsports reported.

The call-up makes Anselmino one of the surprises on Scaloni’s list for the November FIFA window, in which Argentina will face Uruguay and Costa Rica. It will be the first time the former Boca player appears with the Albiceleste at senior level.

A first senior call-up built on 36 minutes in 2026

Anselmino, born in Bernardo Larroudé, recorded 23 appearances and two goals for Boca Juniors before moving to Europe. But his 2026 has been nearly empty: he totaled only 36 official minutes, split between 21 with Borussia Dortmund — where he left disappointed after becoming one of the most popular players at the club — and 15 with Racing de Strasbourg, where he was on loan until June before returning to Chelsea, the club that owns his registration.

He has not played for Chelsea since his return, and injuries have repeatedly interrupted his development since his Boca debut. The call-up was also notable because Anselmino had previously been selected for Argentina’s under-20 World Cup squad, but Chelsea did not release him at the time.

From Boca’s defense to loans in Germany and France

Anselmino found his most playing time at Boca, in La Ribera. After moving to Chelsea, he played one match for the English club, three in France’s Ligue 1 with Strasbourg, and ten for Borussia Dortmund, where he came close to establishing himself before injuries again cut into his growth.

Aaron Anselmino called up for the Argentina NT 🇦🇷👏 pic.twitter.com/2MRPA7gsPy

— https://x.com/ChelseaInPhotos/status/2117664661126689189

What the November friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica mean for him

For Anselmino, the November window offers the chance to finally leave behind the injury problems that have plagued his career. Argentina’s coach has been leading a renewal of the national team since winning the World Cup in Qatar, and a debut for a 21-year-old center back fits that project.

The two matches give him a concrete stage: Uruguay and Costa Rica are the opponents Argentina will face in November after this surprise call-up.

Questions readers are asking about Anselmino’s call-up

Why was Anselmino called up if he barely played in 2026? Scaloni’s list for the November friendlies includes him despite just 36 official minutes this year — 21 with Borussia Dortmund and 15 with Racing de Strasbourg — because the 21-year-old remains a highly rated prospect who has been capped at under-20 level, Tycsports reported.

Which clubs has Anselmino played for since leaving Boca? After 23 matches and two goals for Boca Juniors, he joined Chelsea, then went on loan to Borussia Dortmund and Racing de Strasbourg, returning to Chelsea in June, where he has not played since.

🚨🇦🇷 Emiliano Martinez, Valentìn Barco and Aaron Anselmino have been called up to represent Argentina in their upcoming friendlies.#CFC pic.twitter.com/GsusB9sv2x

— https://x.com/TheBlueDodger/status/2117656878666666021

Has Anselmino ever played for Argentina before? No. This is his first call-up to the senior national team. He was previously selected for the under-20 World Cup squad but Chelsea did not release him.

Argentina’s November fixtures against Uruguay and Costa Rica are the next FIFA window for Anselmino, who hopes to leave behind the physical problems that have pursued him.

🚨🇦🇷 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐒𝐄𝐀 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐏! Emiliano Martínez, Valentín Barco and Aaron Anselmino have all been named in Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad for the upcoming friendlies. First squad of the post-Messi era. Three Blues in the list. 🔵🇦🇷 A big moment for… pic.twitter.com/iumL0mED71

— https://x.com/seppchelsea/status/2117660454847733858

🚨🔵 THREE CHELSEA PLAYERS CALLED UP FOR ARGENTINA! 🔥🇦🇷 Emiliano Martínez, Valentín Barco and Aaron Anselmino have all been selected by Lionel Scaloni for Argentina’s upcoming international friendlies! 💙 🔵 Emiliano Martínez 🔵 Valentín Barco 🔵 Aaron Anselmino 💎 A special… pic.twitter.com/2VvOvSnArc

— https://x.com/Trinityter77/status/2117672370622144786