Before he even played a game in the MLS, Ezequiel Barco made league history.

Atlanta United paid a league-record $15 million to poach him from Independiente in Argentina, sending Five Stripes fans into a riotous frenzy of celebration.

Still that euphoric feeling. pic.twitter.com/40npQ6FMuu — Kelly Frances (@thekellyfrances) January 20, 2018

ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE ZEKE https://t.co/fytTSIhDF7 — Dirty South Soccer – MLS Champions Blog (@DirtySouthSoc) January 19, 2018

https://twitter.com/RobUsry/status/953866941516664833

From the off season moves to marketing to style of play to leadership…@ATLUTD is completely dominating @MLS at the moment. Can’t wait to watch them this upcoming season ⚫️🔴 #UniteAndConquer #WelcomeBarco https://t.co/wWZpBWPSXk — Daniel Kobin (@danielkobin) January 19, 2018

The 18-year-old is expected to make an immediate attacking impact on the wing for United, which notched more assists than any team in the league last year and finished second in goals.

But will he play in the team’s first friendly against Nashville SC, even though he just arrived in the U.S. and held his first training with the team Wednesday? One Atlanta pundit thinks so.

“I’d say it’s likely,” said Jason Longshore, an Atlanta soccer commentator who hosts the Soccer Down Here podcast. “Last year, [forward Josef] Martinez and [midfielder Carlos] Carmona joined the team a few days before the Chattanooga match and they played about 30 minutes. If he’s healthy, I think he gets at least a cameo.”

There’s a reason United fans held a weeks-long #BarcoWatch vigil: He’s a rare talent who stands to create opportunities using his athletic abilities and technical skill.

“Barco will be able to beat defenders 1-v-1, something Atlanta lacked last year,” Longshore said. “He’s also a great creator for his teammates. I think his presence will make it harder for teams to choose to bunker.”

If Barco does play, he will provide an immediate test for Nashville SC’s five-man back line, which could feature as many as three MLS veterans — Justin Davis, Kosuke Kimura and London Woodberry.

“As a footballer all you want to do is get better,” said Taylor Washington, a candidate for a starting fullback role. “In order to do that you have to play the best teams and the best players in the world. [Atlanta] bring in some big names and some great talent, and I’m excited we’re gonna go up against them.”

While the prospect of facing Atlanta’s ferocious offense may excite players, Nashville SC Coach Gary Smith acknowledges it’s only a small part of preseason preparations.

“The challenge next Saturday is going to be very different, I would imagine, to what we’re gonna face throughout the year,” Smith said. “While I want to make sure the guys are ready for that, it’s part of a buildup and process that should prepare them for the opening game of the season.”