Milton Valenzuelacouldn't call his family fast enough after learning about his call-up to the Argentina U-23 National Team.
"The first thing I did?" Valenzuela said, "I called my family to let them know. They found out quickly because of social media, but I still called them to share with them and celebrate briefly."
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Now the 22-year-old left-back is excited to get another opportunity with the Argentina national team after competing in the Under-20 South American tournament and later the FIFA Under-20 World Cup back in 2017.
"I think representing your country is the biggest dream that any player can have – whether it’s for Argentina or any other country. In my case it’s Argentina so I’m very happy, very excited and ready to give it my all and to continue to get called up," Valenzuela said.
Valenzuela said he takes immense pride in representing his home country, and after playing for the Albiceleste at the U-20 World Cup in South Korea four years ago, he realized how unique these opportunities truly are.
"It was a beautiful experience that I will never forget in my life. Wearing the national team’s jersey is something that fills you with pride," he said. "While we didn’t do so well in the World Cup, I learned that you don’t get many opportunities so when you get them you have to make the best of them. That way when you’re done with opportunity, you won’t regret things and you’re at peace that you gave it your all and did your best."
When asked about how he has matured since his last call-up, Valenzuela said he thinks he has changed significantly.
"My way of playing has changed a lot since [the U-20 World Cup]. Over time you gain experience. In games, you begin to see things [in the game] you don’t notice when you’re younger. I think I’m a more intelligent player, you could say, more organized, who understands the game better. I’m not perfect, but I think in the tactical aspect I have improved."
Valenzuela is one of two MLS players to be called up to Argentina’s U-23 squad, which is scheduled to face Japan in two friendlies, first on Friday, March 26, before facing the Japanese again three days later on Monday, March 29. Both friendlies are scheduled to take place in Japan.
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Friday's match marks the first of many playing opportunities this year for Valenzuela, who said he has the best of expectations for himself in a season filled with both domestic and international play.
"This year is different from last year because we will play internationally, we will play in the regular season and if I continue to get called up for [Argentina’s] U-23 team then that means even more international games," he said. "But I have the best expectations: to always be at a 100%, ready to play well and help my team however I can – whether it’s here or with the national team."
Four Crew players, including Valenzuela, were called up to their respective national teams while the Crew SC First Team completes the third leg of its preseason camp in Orlando, Florida.
Following the training camp in Orlando, the Crew opens the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League on the road on April 8 against Nicaraguan side Real Esteli FC in the First Leg of the Round of 16, before hosting Real Esteli at home for the Second Leg on April 15. The Black & Gold are set to kick-off the 2021 MLS regular season at Historic Crew Stadium on Sunday, April 18, against the Philadelphia Union.
