Merentiel: Bayern match will be another final

• Miguel Merentiel netted in Boca's draw with Benfica
• Result feels like his side "dropped two points" after surrendering a two-goal lead
• Looks forward to "another final" against Bayern München on Friday

There are different kinds of leaders. Some let their voice be heard in the changing room and on the field of play. They bring out the best in their team-mates with their words, sometimes soft, sometimes loud. Some eschew words altogether and take control of the situation on the pitch. They lead by example and let their play do the talking.

Uruguayan Miguel Merentiel, who transferred to CA Boca Juniors from Palmeiras in February 2023, has won the club over with his goalscoring prowess, perseverance and hard work. And now, his ability to lead.

The striker has, however, had some rough moments at Boca. One in particular, during the 2023 Copa Libertadores final against Fluminense FC, remains a painful memory for fans. Tied at 1-1 in the match’s final knockings, his long-range shot from outside the box sailed just wide of goal. Soon after, John Kennedy scored to put Flu ahead, leaving the Xeneize empty-handed.

This year, Boca were knocked out of the Copa Libertadores by Alianza Lima at the Bombonera in the qualifying round. They also lost to River Plate in the Superclásico at the Estadio Monumental.

But Merentiel hasn't changed through adversity. His nickname is La Bestia (The Beast), and his playing style is in keeping with Boca tradition: never stop running, never stop fighting, never stop trying.

So when he scored the Xeneize’s first goal in the draw against SL Benfica at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, in Group C of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, it looked as if he had fulfilled his destiny: he wore the captain’s armband and roared with fury in front of thousands of screaming fans. His team-mates gathered around to congratulate him, before hustling back to the middle of the pitch, ready to keep up the pressure, to keep running and to keep fighting.

With Edinson Cavani sidelined due to injury, Merentiel was no longer just Boca’s goal scorer: he was their leader. 

“It’s a lot of responsibility; big shoes to fill," the forward told FIFA following the match. "I feel Edi, our captain, is a great leader. Today, it was my turn to step up and try to be as good a leader as him, in the same way."

Completely exhausted, he was replaced by Exequiel Zeballos in the 65th minute to a standing ovation from the Boca faithful. Not only was it recognition of his goal scoring prowess, it was acknowledgement of his ability to lead by example. 

Boca had a difficult time thereafter and couldn’t hold the lead, as Miguel Russo’s side lost the Uruguayan’s ability to hold up play, win loose balls and quickly attack open spaces. After the match, he admitted he had a leg cramp, but said he should be available for his side’s monumental bout against FC Bayern München on Friday, also in Miami, and he's keen to make the most of that opportunity.

“We feel like we dropped two points because we had the match in the bag," he admitted. "We knew they were going to bring the game to us. For us, it’s an unfortunate result, but with the match against Bayern it’ll be another final. We’re grateful to our fans for their support. They support us everywhere they go. We want them to know we’re going to give everything we’ve got for them.”