 In July 2018, Zárate signed for Boca Juniors, despite previously indicating his intention to sign permanently with Velez.In 2007, Zárate helped the Argentina national under-20 team win the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scoring the winning goal in the final against the Czech Republic.In 2008, Diego Maradona was appointed manager of the Argentina national team and said that if Zárate's good form continued, he would get a chance with that team.