Barcelona set their sights on Lionel Messi's Argentina teammate: Reports
Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City's Argentina star Julian Alvarez, who Lionel Messi once called 'extraordinary.' The Catalans have the Cityzens forward in their sights as they look to add more firepower to their team under Hansi Flick.
Spanish outlet SPORT reports that the Blaugrana are huge admirers of Alvarez and feel the versatile attacker suits their sporting project. The 24-year-old Argentine was majorly impressed with City last season, scoring 19 goals and 13 assists in 54 games across competitions.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is expected to try to sign Alvarez as part of his campaign to be re-elected as he was in 2021. He promised to extend Lionel Messi's contract, but the La Liga giants' financial issues led to his departure.
Barca needn't look further than Messi to get advice about the Cityzens star's talents. Their all-time top scorer gave a glowing verdict of his Argentina teammate after their 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph two years ago (via Manchester Evening News):
"Nobody imagined Julian would have the participation and importance he has shown. The help he has given us has been absolutely spectacular. During the whole World Cup, but also on Tuesday, he was extraordinary. He ran everything."
Laporta also has Alvarez's City teammate Erling Haaland on his radar, but a potential move for him is expected next year. The Catalans are looking to react to Real Madrid's capture of Kylian Mbappe.
Alvarez has four years left on his contract at the Etihad, and Barcelona will have to negotiate a deal to seal his arrival. Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with the 2022 World Cup winner, who is valued at £80 million.
"Let's hope so" - Julian Alvarez hopes Barcelona icon Lionel Messi resists international retirement for a while
Alvarez and Messi have forged a close bond while representing Argentina on international duty. The City attacker was part of an Albiceleste team that helped the Inter Miami superstar fulfill his dream of winning the World Cup.
The duo are back in international action at Copa America this summer in the United States. Lionel Scaloni's men are favorites to win the tournament and started with a 1-0 win against Chile yesterday (June 26).
Alvarez was asked about Messi's long-term future with Argentina ahead of the competition. The Barcelona target told ESPN he hoped for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner to continue and that the team is better with him in it:
"Let's hope so. He's going to decide until when, but we want him to be there, it's better."
Lionel Messi, 36, is Argentina's all-time top scorer with 108 goals and 58 assists in 184 caps. He's the most decorated player in history and is eyeing more glory with his nation this summer.