Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas has reached milestones most young players could only dream of.
At just 19 years old, Vargas has already won a Concacaf Champions League title, played in the Leagues Cup knockout rounds, and has started over 50 MLS matches.
The Anchorage, Alaska, native added another accolade to his already impressive resume last week when he received his first call-up to the Mexico Men’s National Team for a training camp and friendly against the United States next week.
“I really felt like I completed my career,” Vargas told local media last week. “Just getting the call-up and knowing that I’m going to be there. It just felt like I made it.”
Mere months after filing a one-time switch to play for Mexico – a decision Vargas says was deeply rooted in family and following his heart – his dream of representing El Tri at the senior level has come true. But the young midfielder knows that this opportunity is just the start of his journey, and he’ll need to prove himself to truly reach his goals.
“I know I also have a long way to go, so I have to stay humble and strive for more,” said Vargas. “It’s probably the biggest moment of my career so far.”
Vargas is in the midst of a breakout season with the Sounders. The Academy alum has locked down a spot starting spot with the First Team, playing almost 3,000 minutes across all competitions while notching two goals and seven assists.
Growing up a fan of El Tri, Vargas is most looking forward to training alongside the likes of legendary goalkeeper Memo Ochoa and Premier League striker Raúl Jiménez. According to the Sounders midfielder, he plans on using this camp as a learning opportunity and to impress the coaching staff for future call-ups.
“Being so young and having this opportunity, I can’t waste it,” he said. “I think people expect a lot from a young guy, especially if he's getting called up at such a young age. Having that responsibility, people are expecting a lot from me. I hope to live up to that.”
The call-up may have come as a surprise, but Vargas is proud of the work he has put in on a daily basis with the Sounders to earn this chance.
“I wasn’t expecting it,” he said. “But I think it’s just a testament to my hard work and dedication every day.”
The Sounders return to action on October 19 as they host the Portland Timbers in an epic Decision Day showdown at Lumen Field (6:00 p.m. PT; Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS).
Decision Day
It all comes down to this: the biggest rivalry in MLS. We host the Portland Timbers in the final match of the regular season, with playoff seeding, Cascadia Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup qualification on the line.
