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One of the most prestigious youth national team tournaments will get started in a few weeks, but one Atlanta United player will not be joining his teammates. According to Buenos Aires-based writer Peter Coates, Barco was requested to join the Argentina U-20s for the L’Alcudia Tournament in Spain but it was denied.
With Lionel Scaloni expected to take charge of the U20s, Argentina are trying to assemble the squad that will travel to Spain for the L'Alcudia tournament - Romero (PSV), Garre (Man City), Barco (Atlanta), Colidio (Inter) & Chancalay (Colón) all denied permission pic.twitter.com/dQLupqVDWr
— Peter Coates (@golazoargentino) July 15, 2018
The tournament, also called COTIF, will take place from July 28 - August 8, dates that fall outside of an official FIFA window. With club teams under no obligation to release players and the MLS season in full swing, it seems like Barco will not be going anywhere for now.
While Barco is still adjusting to MLS, if there was any doubt about his potential or talent, being included in the Argentinian U-20 side should help put some of that to rest. Barco has already received 8 caps for the Argentinian U-20s, and his move to Atlanta has not seemed to affect his status in the national program. Missing the tournament will also allow Barco to feature for the MLS All-Stars as they prepare to host Emre Can and Juventus on August 1st.