“I Asked Him for a Photo”- Julian Alvarez Recalls First Meeting With Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has become a figure of eminence in the soccer world. While the Argentinian superstar has quite a cult following, his fandom isn’t just confined to normal people, as fellow soccer players also fail to hide their inner fanboy when encountering La Pulga. In a similar revelation, Julian Alvarez has opened up about sharing a locker room with his ‘idol,’ insisting that he tries to ‘enjoy every moment.’ 

Only a few have the privilege to play alongside Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez is one of them. In his latest interview with GOAL, the striker opened up about his first-ever encounter with the 8X Ballon d’Or winner during La Albiceleste’s training session. He said, “Well, yes, I always thought that he was my idol and I remember that in training, first in sparring sessions with the senior team, I asked him for a photo and took a photo with him.” 

Alvarez couldn’t contain his excitement about donning the jersey of his beloved country alongside Lionel Messi. “Being teammates, it’s pretty crazy but also really nice and I try to enjoy every moment playing with him,” he added. Notably, the 24-year-old was fortunate enough to lift the Copa America, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions under Messi’s leadership. 

“I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved with the national team during this period and that he made it happen after trying for so long,” he concluded. Indeed, it was quite a heartfelt revelation from Alvarez, which must have brought happiness to Lionel Messi’s face as well. Possibility surrounds the Cityzens star to try and win another trophy with La Pulga namely the 2024 Copa America. Certainly, the Argentine wouldn’t want to miss out on that. 

Julian Alvarez believes that Lionel Messi can ‘comfortably’ play in the 2024 Copa America 

Both Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi are poised to join forces for Lionel Scaloni’s squad in the upcoming Copa America. As speculation surrounds it being Messi’s final stint with Argentina, Alvarez expressed his desire for the iconic player to continue representing their nation. “It will depend on him but I think if he wants to, he can do it comfortably,” he said. 

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When questioned about the collective sentiment among his teammates, Alvarez affirmed, “Yes, we do too.” It seems Alvarez is determined to defend the title and bring it to Rosario alongside Messi. Notably, they are drawn in Group A alongside Peru, Chile, and the playoff winner from Canada vs. Trinidad & Tobago. Indeed, it’s going to be an interesting tournament!

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