Lionel Messi sets high expectations for Julian Alvarez after Atletico Madrid move as reported phone call between them comes to light
Lionel Messi reportedly spoke to Julian Alvarez on the phone to congratulate his fellow Argentina star on his move to Atletico Madrid. The young Argentine striker joined the La Liga giants from Manchester City in a reported €75 million deal.
Argentine outlet Diario Ole reports that Messi called Alvarez and told him the transfer would elevate him to the next level in his career. The 24-year-old had been impressing at City, playing a variety of positions under Pep Guardiola.
Alvarez pushed to leave the Etihad because he wanted a new challenge, and Atleti granted him one. He joins a Diego Simeone side that finished fourth in La Liga last season, and he'll be expected to lead the line following Alvaro Morata's exit.
Lionel Messi knows what Los Colchoneros can offer Alvarez, having faced them 43 times during his career. His close friend Luis Suarez spent several years at the Wanda Metropolitano after leaving Barcelona.
Alvarez arrives with his stock sky-high after another impressive major tournament appearance with Argentina. He helped La Abiceleste win Copa America with two goals in five games. That followed a season where he managed 19 goals and 13 assists in 54 games across competitions at club level.
Atletico Madrid new boy Julian Alvarez reflected on playing alongside 'one of a kind' Lionel Messi
Julian Alvarez really put the world on notice with inspired performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. His four goals and one assist in seven games helped Argentina win the tournament.
However, Lionel Messi was undoubtedly the star of the show in the Middle East, finally getting his hands on a World Cup trophy. The iconic forward bagged seven goals and three assists in seven games, including a brace in the final.
Alvarez waxed lyrical about Argentina's captain during an interview with Manchester City's media team last season. He said:
"He is one of a kind. Obviously, having him in the team is a privilege and I’ll help him and the whole team bring joy to Argentina... Being there you realise that he is a really normal person, he is a great person and a great captain."
Messi has seemingly taken Alvarez under his wing while on international duty and the pair linked up superbly at the World Cup and Copa America. The 37-year-old is now playing his club football in the MLS with Inter Miami after dominating Europe.