Millions of people around the world find inspiration in Lionel Messi, and Julian Alvarez, a newcomer to Manchester City, is among those hoping to learn as much as they can from the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Alvarez has the good fortune to play alongside Messi for Argentina, with Pep Guardiola being his coach and Sergio Aguero also available to offer advice when needed.
Julian Alvarez went from asking Messi for a photo when he was a kid to scoring his first goal for Argentina and celebrating with Messi afterwards 💙
What dreams are made of ✨ pic.twitter.com/n0ya1FJReb
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 30, 2022
Alvarez could not have asked for a better mentors, but he says is not looking to “copy” their efforts.
He acknowledged that attempting to mimic Messi’s “uniqueness” would be a fruitless endeavor.
What Did He Say About Messi?
Alvarez was asked by Sky Sports about what it’s like to play with a football legend and whether it’s feasible to emulate him.
Alvarez responded, “It was a dream come true to play by his side and a great source of pride to play with one of the greatest footballers in the history of the game, I have to say.
“It is hard to copy him. But like everyone who is around him, I watch his every move. I watch every little piece of skill, and I try to take the best from it.
“But the truth is that he is unique, not just on the pitch but off it as well.”
How Is Alvarez’s City Coming Along?
The highly-rated prospect made a good first impression with the defending Premier League champions by scoring his first goal in the Community Shield.
He has also maintained constant touch with City great Aguero to learn what it takes to succeed at City.
“Sergio told me some things about what it is like to work under Pep,” he said.
“He told me about how the training is run at City. He told me about the city of Manchester itself.
“I spoke to him at the time of my signing and again during the last few days and weeks as well.
“He has given me all kinds of different advice. All of which I obviously listened to very carefully with this being a new world for me moving to Manchester.
“I wanted to listen to everything Sergio said so that I could adapt as quickly as possible to life in England.”
Alvarez was poached from River Plate by City with an eye toward the future after signing Erling Haaland this summer.
The South American prospect believes he can complement the well-known Norwegian player.
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“He is a big player, a great player,” he mused on joining forces with Haaland. I have seen him a lot, scoring goals throughout Europe.
“It is very good for a young player like me to play with the best so you can learn. It is a good position to be in.
“Whoever I am paired with, the important thing is that City win.”
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