Afterwards, he was backed by Diego Maradona to become "Argentina's next superstar". He would score a brace  in Benfica's 2–1 home win over AEK Athens, to ensure Benfica's qualification to the round of thirty-two, as group winners.
Following his success, he was endorsed by Diego Maradona to be Argentina's next prominent player. He then scored a brace in Benfica's 2–1 home victory over AEK Athens, ensuring Benfica's qualification to the round of thirty-two as group winners.