The LA Galaxy will host Club Atlético Boca Juniors, one of the world’s most recognizable clubs, in an international friendly on Sunday, May 23 at The Home Depot Center. 

“They’re one of the biggest clubs in South America and it will give fans a good opportunity to come out and see a South American opponent and a historic club,” Galaxy defender Gregg Berhalter said.

The Argentinian giants hold six Copa Libertadores titles, 23 Primera División de Argentina domestic championships and 18 international trophies, a record which is matched only by A.C. Milan. 

The match will be the Galaxy’s first international friendly of 2010, and will give area fans the chance to see somewhat of a rarity: a South American power in person. 

“We are very excited to be hosting Argentina’s Boca Juniors, who are one of the most prestigious clubs in the world with an incredible tradition of winning championships,” LA Galaxy's Tom Payne said.

“It is a thrilling game for our fans and one that will feature Argentina’s Riquelme and Palermo, and continues our commitment to provide our fans the chance to see the Galaxy face off against some of the best international competition.”  

The Boca Juniors roster always includes some of the best players in Argentina and South America.  This season is no exception with the likes of midfielders Juan Román Riquelme and Sebastián Battaglia, forwards Martín Palermo and Nicolás Gaitán of Argentina and midfielder Gary Medel of Chile leading an attack that is currently third in the Primera División in goals scored.

Riquelme, who made his professional debut with Boca Juniors at the age of 18, has long been considered one of the best footballers of his generation. In 1997, he captained Argentina to the FIFA U-20 World Cup championship, setting off an international career that includes three World Cups, a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and six years in Spain’s La Liga, where during the 2005/06 season he helped Villarreal reached the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Riquelme returned to Boca Juniors in 2008 and promptly captained the squad to that year’s Apertura title.

Known for being a club that plays an attractive style of soccer, Boca Juniors have helped to produce some of the greatest players in the history of Argentine soccer, including Riquelme, Diego Maradona, Carlos Tevez and many more. Their game against the Galaxy – the first ever meeting between the two sides – is the first of their U.S. Tour, details of which will be announced shortly.