Brighton and Tottenham target Leonel Flores makes instant impact on Argentina debut

Brighton and Tottenham target Leonel Flores has added to his rapidly growing reputation after making an immediate impact on his Argentina debut.

The 19-year-old Boca Juniors winger came off the bench during Argentina’s 4-0 victory over Bolivia on Wednesday and needed only a few minutes to register his first international assist.

Flores has been repeatedly linked with Brighton and Tottenham in recent months, and his development is now accelerating at remarkable speed.

Lionel Scaloni introduced Flores in the 81st minute in place of Exequiel Palacios.

It was the youngster’s first appearance for Argentina at any age level, having never previously represented the country in the youth categories.

Despite receiving only ten touches, Flores completed two dribbles and created Argentina’s fourth goal.

He nutmegged an opponent behind the halfway line, drove forward and eventually set up Flaco López. Flores then nearly scored himself but saw a volley saved.

“I’ve had quite a lot of personality since I was a kid. When I get the ball, I don’t care who’s in front of me,” Flores said afterwards.

“I’ve dreamed about this since I was a kid. I played calmly and with confidence.”

That confidence is unlikely to go unnoticed by Brighton and Tottenham given their reported interest.

Flores’ progress becomes even more striking when compared with where he was 12 months ago.

In September 2025, he was playing for Boca’s reserve team and scored twice in a 6-0 victory over Racing’s academy.

He has since established himself in Boca’s senior side under Rodolfo Arruabarrena and also changed position.

Flores spent much of his academy career playing as a No. 9 but has developed into a right winger since his first-team breakthrough.

He currently has three goals and two assists from his first 17 senior Boca appearances, with those games coming across little more than two months.

Scaloni was impressed by the youngster but stressed that Argentina and Boca must carefully manage his development.

“We have to look after him, that’s the important thing,” the Argentina manager said.

“He’s a talent who needs to be looked after.”

Scaloni revealed Flores had simply been instructed to reproduce what he does for Boca and even mentioned him alongside Franco Mastantuono when discussing Argentina’s emerging talents.

For Brighton and Tottenham, the situation has therefore changed quickly.

Flores was a promising Boca teenager when Premier League interest first emerged. He is now a first-team regular and, after only nine minutes of international football, already has an assist for Argentina.

Flores will return to Boca Juniors with his reputation significantly enhanced after making his senior international breakthrough.

Brighton and Tottenham have already been credited with interest, and his rapid progress could increase competition for his signature if either Premier League club decides to make a move.

His immediate task, however, will be maintaining his place at Boca and building on an extraordinary first few months of senior football.