The departure of Leonel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to Europe has left the world wondering who will be the next great export from Argentina. Well, you can wonder no more: Boca Juniors forward Rodrigo Palacio, one of the few young players based in Argentina to feature at this summer’s World Cup, has staked his claim as the best player in the land after leading Boca to what will surely be its third consecutive Argentine league championship. In fact, after Boca’s disappointing Clausura (Fall Championship) in 2005, the 24-year-old has been on hand to help the storied club lift five trophies in the last year and a half. SI.com interviewed the hot Argentine property, who in recent months has been linked to Barcelona. The striker modestly dismisses the undeniable fact that he’s become a great idol to Argentine youth, saying that role is reserved for Boca greats like striker Martin Palermo and goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri. He admits that the transition from Coach Alfio Basile, who became the head coach of the national team at the beginning of the season, to Ricardo La Volpe has been difficult, but he’s hopeful of receiving more playing time now that his former coach is in charge of the national team. Despite interest from Barca and several other top clubs around the world, the modest striker insists he wants to stay with Boca until his contract runs out, in 2010.