Lionel Messi’s stunning free kick goal remains one of the most iconic moments of the first weekend of Leagues Cup 2023, but we had to wait until late on Sunday evening to be rewarded with the best overall performance from an Argentine over the weekend, a magisterial display from Minnesota United FC’s Emanuel Reynoso.
With two goals and an assist in less than 80 minutes on the pitch, he helped his team to a comprehensive and unlikely win over Puebla FC. Despite having defender Michael Boxall sent off less than half an hour into the match, Reynoso proved the spark to lead his team to a 4-0 win, further establishing himself as one of a cadre of impressive Argentines in the league.
Reynoso, known as El Bebelo, like Messi hails from Argentina, the inland city of Cordoba. A product of the Talleres academy in that city, he moved to Boca Juniors in 2018, helping the capital side to two titles, but struggled with a knee injury, and was often on the bench.
Moving to Minnesota as a Designated Player in 2020, he immediately made an impact, helping the team to the MLS Cup Conference Finals, knocking off top seed Sporting Kansas City in the process. He recorded six assists and added a goal in those playoffs, setting a league record in the process, and has continued to be a lynchpin for the Loons.
In 2021, his production dipped slightly, but he helped the team return to the MLS Cup Playoffs, before being named an MLS All-Star last season on the back of twelve goals and six assists across all competitions. Minnesota were again eliminated in the Playoffs, but Reynoso had firmly established himself as both a player with star power and a fan favorite.
This season started with a lengthy suspension from the league on the back of Reynoso’s having failed to report for preseason training. Minnesota struggled as a result, but his return in early June has coincided with strong team and individual performances, including a gritty draw against Los Angeles Football Club and a classy win away to Houston Dynamo FC in their previous two matches.
Last night, his talent was on full display, though, as he and fellow attacker Bongokuhle Hlongwane both notched braces, with Reynoso setting up the South African and capping things off with a sublime whipped free kick midway through the second half. A visit from Chicago Fire FC looms on Wednesday, but as of now the Loons are clearly in the Central 2 driver’s seat thanks to El Bebelo.
Said the attacker after the game, “I think that we played a great game, with a strong mentality. We were focused for 90 minutes.” If the play and focus of the Loons last night is anything to go by, they could make an impressive run in Leagues Cup 2023.
