Norwich City playmaker Emi Buendia has spoken about his “biggest dream” to play for Argentina.

The 23-year-old has been a revelation since being plucked from the Spanish second tier in the summer of 2018, establishing himself as a firm fans’ favourite with Norwich fans.

After impressing in the Premier League at times last season Buendia was hoping to get the international call but it hasn’t been forthcoming so far from manager Lionel Scaloni.

“This is one of the biggest dreams that I have,” he said. “I had the chance to play for the U20s. For Argentinean people, your Argentina shirt is one of the best things in the world.

“I’m working hard to become a better place to get a chance in the national team. I was disappointed sometimes when I didn’t get capped by the national team, but I have to work, work, work and the chance will be there as soon as possible, I hope.”

Buendia knows it will be difficult to gain a call-up playing in the Championship with the Canaries but hopes to play his part in a swift return to the Premier League.

He knows one way or another he is likely to be plying his trade in a top European league next season if he continues his recent form and the motivation of playing alongside Lionel Messi is a huge carrot for Buendia.

“For me, Messi is the best player in the world,” he said. “What he has done is incredible. I try to watch him playing as much as possible because I learn a lot. Obviously, the level is completely different, but I try to get the positive things off him like other players in the world, but with him it’s special because he’s Argentinean.

“We’ve had a similar life, because we both moved early to Spain to play football. Hopefully I have a chance to play with him for the national team.”