Sounders' player has only made one appearance with the senior Mexico team, which came in 2024.
Vargas made his professional debut in 2021 at Q2 StadiumLoghed 1,719 minutes through 21 matches this seasonDreams of playing for Atlético de Madrid in EuropeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
AUSTIN, Texas – Obed Vargas returns to Q2 Stadium, a place that holds special meaning for him. It was four years ago that he made his professional debut with the Seattle Sounders in Austin.
Born in Alaska to Mexican parents, the 19-year-old midfielder is one of Major League Soccer’s most promising young talents. A die-hard Atlético de Madrid fan, Vargas dreams of one day playing for the Spanish club when he makes the jump to Europe. But he also has his sights set on a more immediate goal: earning a spot on Javier Aguirre’s roster for the 2026 World Cup.
Vargas has just one senior cap with the Mexican national team, which came earlier in 2024. Since then, he hasn’t been called up again – missing out on both the Nations League and Gold Cup squads – but he remains hopeful his chance will come soon.
Speaking at the press conference ahead of the MLS All-Star Game, the Sounders midfielder shared that he’s grown close to Hirving Lozano, the San Diego FC star and one of the national team’s veterans. Vargas says Lozano has been a key mentor ahead of Wednesday’s clash against Liga MX’s best.
“He’s a great person and a great player,” Vargas said. “We’ve talked a lot – he tells me about his experience in Europe, how he’s felt playing in MLS. He always tells me to stay grounded, not to lose focus, not to let things get to my head.”
A few weeks ago, Vargas made headlines when he stated that the Mexican national team tends to favor Liga MX players over those in MLS. While many would argue he’s simply stating the truth, the young midfielder is aware that the MLS All-Star Game presents a golden opportunity to change that perception and start earning a spot in Javier Aguirre’s plans.
“Every single time I get to face one of those teams or if it’s MLS vs. LIGA MX All-Stars, it always adds a bit of motivation for me just because of my background, where I came from, who I grew up watching and obviously my ties with the Mexico national team and wanting to impress them and do well for them,” Vargas told MLSsoccer.com.
He added, “I think these games, being able to match up against direct opponents competing kind of for the same spots in the Mexican national team, I think the coaches are able to get a better grasp of what my level is and how I can match up against those guys. I think it’s a great opportunity for me to do well and show why I should be on that roster.”
The Mexican midfielder also spoke about his friendship with Gilberto Mora, the 16-year-old breakout star of the Mexican national team who is also in Austin for the All-Star festivities.
“I get along with him super well and I’m really happy to see him perform well in the Gold Cup,” Vargas said. “I feel like he’s kind of changing the mindset in Mexico and the national team, putting more trust into the young guys. That’s only going to help the rest of us – other young players doing well in Liga MX and MLS.”
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite being just 19, Vargas has already become a key player for the Seattle Sounders, starting regularly and logging 1,719 minutes through 21 matches this season -more than any other player in MLS born in 2005. His consistency and work ethic earned him a well-deserved call-up for Wednesday’s All-Star showcase.
“I’m super excited,” he said. “I’m grateful to my team, my coaches, who trust me and allow me to enjoy playing, to learn and grow. I was a little surprised because the roster had already been released. But to be sharing the field with Chucky [Lozano], Messi, Jordi Alba – it’s just incredible.”
Getty Images SportWHAT OBED VARGAS SAID
“My dream would be to go to Europe. I don’t close the doors on anyone. I know right now there’s a lot of interest from the Mexican league, but I have my eyes pretty set on Europe,” Vargas told
“For my career, my long-term development, my goals for the national team, I think I can reach my highest level playing over there compared to LIGA MX. Maybe one day Morelia gets back into the first division and they call me … but for now, Europe is my goal for sure.”
Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
Vargas has only made one appearance with the senior Mexican national team, which came in 2024 during a friendly in which defeated the USMNT 2-0. At the U-23 level, he’s played two matches for Mexico, although he previously represented the United States at both the U-20 and U-23 levels – even scoring once with the latter.