Maxi Arce reignites the global debate after his huge week in Asunción

Maxi Maple He didn't leave Paraguay with a trophy under his arm. Yet, his time at P2 of Asuncion has left a much deeper mark than just a quarter-final appearance. In a matter of days, the Argentinian's status has changed. Now, the question is no longer whether he can compete with the best… but how far he can go. And above all: does he deserve a place with the Argentinian national team next season? Championnat du monde ?

A week that changed the way people saw him

Associated to Juan Tello Maxi Arce had one of the most remarkable runs of the week in Paraguay. The pair strung together two significant victories to reach the quarterfinals before pushing Ale Galán et Fede Chingotto in a match that was far more complicated than expected.

The Argentine pair did not win the tournament, but Arce left with something precious: real credibility on the circuit.

For a long time, his name was mentioned as that of a player capable of one-off wins. After Asunción, the narrative changed. His performance against the best pairs in the world gave his project a new dimension.

Tello/Arce push Chingotto/Galán into a corner at Asunción P2

Performances that don't just fall from the sky

This quarter-final didn't come out of nowhere. For several months, the Argentinian has been showing that he can compete in big matches.

His statistics on the circuit Premier Padel The dates between 2025 and 2026 speak for themselves: 41 matches played, 29 wins , or more than 70% success rate These figures are far from being a simple isolated achievement.

Before Asunción, he had already made a strong impression in Cancún with Pablo Lijó , particularly during a close match against Arturo Coello et Agustín Tapia A performance that had already begun to spark debate about his ability to adapt to the very highest level.

A solid track record, not a “feel-good story”

What makes this Paraguayan week even more impactful is the way Arce and Tello reached the quarterfinals.

They first eliminated Paquito Navarro et Javi warrior before going out Pablo García et Pablo Lijó Then they stood up to Galán and Chingotto with real competitive intensity.

In such a competitive men's circuit, reaching the quarterfinals is already a significant achievement. But achieving it with these kinds of victories completely changes the perception of the tournament.

This wasn't a surprise upset favored by the draw. It was a solid campaign, built against established names on the circuit.

Maxi Arce confirms that he can look the best in the eye

The Argentinian World Cup no longer seems out of reach.

The subject of Mondial This is not a new idea for Maxi Arce. Last April, when he switched partners from Lijó to Tello, he had already hinted that this partnership could also make sense with a view to national team selection.

After Asunción, this idea seems much less far-fetched.

Around the circuit, discussions are gaining momentum. Franco Stupaczuk He even publicly stated that he would like to share a team with Arce at a World Championship. This statement obviously doesn't guarantee a call-up, but it shows how much his name is now circulating in the paddock.

Maxi Arce on his new partnership with Juan Tello: “This could be a great pairing for the World Cup”

What he still lacks

However, a major tournament doesn't automatically guarantee a place on the national team. The competition remains fierce on the Argentinian side, and several players still have a significant advantage in terms of experience and consistency.

Maxi Arce's next challenge is now clear: to confirm .

He will need to repeat this type of performance, string together tough matches against top pairs, and establish himself consistently in the later rounds of major tournaments. It is this consistency that will transform an attractive prospect into a truly compelling sporting reality.

Asunción as a turning point

Some players need a title to reach a new level. Others achieve this through a single, strong week that permanently alters the perception of those around them.

Maxi Arce's case clearly falls into the second category.

He didn't leave Asunción with a final or a trophy. But he left with something perhaps more important for the rest of his career: a new legitimacy.

And now, the question is no longer exaggerated: Can Maxi Arce hope to secure a place with Argentina at the World Cup? After Paraguay, the debate has officially begun.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!