Max Wilkins

Fri 29 May 2026 17:10, UK

Aston Villa star Emi Buendia has surprisingly missed out on the Argentina squad for the World Cup.

The attacking midfielder is coming off the back of a stellar campaign in claret and blue, where he took everybody by surprise.

It was expected that he would depart in the summer, but he went on to write himself into the history books for the B6 outfit.

A stunning goal catalogue was signed off with a worldie in the Europa League final, something which many believed was enough to earn him an international call-up.

Buendia’s Villa form wasn’t enough, and he has now missed out on a spot in the Argentina squad, but there may be a feud to blame for the snub.

Argentina grudge blamed for Emi Buendia World Cup snub

There was a genuine expectation at Villa Park that the 29-year-old would be jetting off to North America this summer.

After being a regular source of goals and creativity in the Midlands, it would have been a due reward for his performances.

That hasn’t translated onto the international stage, with Lionel Scaloni deciding not to add the former Norwich City man to his World Cup squad.

That has come as a surprise for the claret and blue faithful who have been quick to question the decision.

Former Villa scout Bryan King believes a personal vendetta could explain Buendia’s absence from the squad, as opposed to footballing reasons.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “It seems very strange. Is there something personal going on that we don’t know about?

“It can’t be based on his performances because he’s been playing well.

“There’s something more going on here for me; there’s no logic to leave him out.

“His performances have been beyond good, so I think he’s been unlucky.

#SelecciónMayor Nuestros 26 guerreros que defenderán el título mundial.

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— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) May 28, 2026

“There are very good Argentinian players out there, don’t get me wrong, but it still seems strange, and I imagine he’ll be very disappointed.

“I would have thought he’d be picked to give him probably his last opportunity at playing in a World Cup.”

Buendia was a true Villa star against Freiburg and throughout the campaign, so it seems totally unfair that he would miss out on a place in this squad.

How does Buendia’s Aston Villa output compare to Argentina stars?

The World Cup title holders have selected eight forward options for the World Cup, with several seen as no-brainers.

Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez were always going to be selected due to their experience within the national team.

The other five places were more up for grabs, and it’s safe to say that Buendia has much better output than the selected Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone and Nicolas Gonzalez.

They have contributed six, 16, and five goal involvements, respectively, this campaign, all while the Villa man has played a role in 20 goals and assists.

That is just proof in itself that the 29-year-old has been better than those selected ahead of him, and the decision is only made to look worse, considering he scored a goal on the way to lifting silverware.