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Manchester City attacker Julian Alvarez has showered praise on his compatriot Lionel Messi, calling him a perfect role model.
Having fallen just a step short at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Argentina brought the FIFA World Cup home in December 2022. Captain Lionel Messi led by example, ending the competition with seven goals and three assists in seven games. For his exploits, he won the Golden Ball in Qatar.
Despite losing to Germany in the 2014 final and suffering consecutive Copa America defeats (2015, 2016), Messi kept his chin up and completed his trophy cabinet in 2022.
Alvarez, who experienced both Argentina’s 2021 Copa America win and the triumph in Qatar, has lauded his captain, calling him an example for people all over the world.
In Adidas’ special documentary “ALTA EN EL CIELO” (High in the Sky), which sheds light on Messi and Argentina’s homecoming following their World Cup win, Alvarez said (via @WeAreMessi):
“Leo Messi as a person is an example of life, sacrifice and strength for all people in the world.”
Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has played 175 games for La Albiceleste, scoring 103 times.
Alvarez and Messi played seven games together at the Qatar World Cup, with the 35-year-old assisting the Manchester City ace twice. Both his assists came in La Albiceleste’s 3-0 win over Croatia in the semifinals.
Lionel Messi makes history as Argentina pick up friendly win over Australia
Lionel Messi was inevitably named in the starting XI when Argentina squared off against Australia in a friendly in Beijing on Thursday (June 15). It took the superstar 79 seconds to make an impact as he netted the fastest goal of his international career in spectacular fashion.
The Barcelona legend received the ball from teammate Enzo Fernandez, skipped past two helpless Australian defenders, and found the back of the net from outside the box. Apart from the stunning goal, Messi created two chances, completed 35 passes (81% accuracy), and completed a whopping five dribbles.
Propelled by Messi’s stunner, Argentina cruised to a 2-0 win. German Pezzella scored the reigning world champions' second goal in the 68th minute.
