Lionel Messi is currently training alongside the Argentine national team. The World Cup winner is currently sidelined with an injury and has yet to start a game since last month. However, it seems like fans could be kept waiting to get a glimpse of Lionel Messi, as Argentina is looking to bench the soccer veteran for their upcoming encounter. La Pulga has been out with an injury for a while now and the Albiceleste do not want to risk prolonging the World Cup winner’s injury.

As per reports, Argentina could field a young forward instead of the Inter Miami star in their upcoming game. This replacement has been in sublime form this season, scoring stunners in the UK, and could fill in Lionel Messi’s shoes for sure. Who are we talking about?

Lionel Messi is still not 100% fit, Argentina prepared with Plan B

Based on statements from Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, Argentina could bench Lionel Messi in their game against Paraguay. The Argentine is currently on national duty for the World Cup qualifiers. However, there has been a lot of speculation if La Pulga will feature for his national team after missing out on crucial fixtures for Inter Miami.

Edul, however, added that Argentina could get Lionel Messi involved in the game if deemed important. According to the journalist, “Messi will play 40 minutes or the entire second half.” However, it seems like the teams want to take no risk when it comes to their biggest name.

To make up for their missing star, the Albiceleste are planning on fielding the strike partnership of Julian Alvarez alongside Lautaro Martinez in their upcoming game. Both players have been in great form for their respective clubs and could make a big impact on the game.

Becoming a starter in a Pep Guardiola team has never been easy. However, Julian Alvarez did not take too long to adapt to the conditions in the UK. Because of the injuries this season, he’s become a regular starter! What’s been going on with Julian Alvarez?

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Julian Alvarez continues to deliver for Manchester City

Argentine striker Julian Alvarez has been in great form for Pep Guardiola’s side in the English Premier League. With Kevin De Bruyne unavailable due to injury, Alvarez has stepped up as a key player for the side. The Argentine, in his eight Premier League appearances for Manchester City, has scored 3 goals while also contributing four assists.

Alvarez could feature for Argentina tomorrow as he slots in Lionel Messi’s absence. Lionel Scaloni will have high hopes for the attacker and will expect him to show the same consistency he’s displayed this season at club level. It will be interesting to see if Julian Alvarez can grab the opportunity with both hands and consolidate his place in the national team.

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Alvarez has emerged as a top name for both Argentina and Manchester City despite playing alongside some of the biggest names in the game. The young striker undoubtedly has a lot of potential and could become a big name for the Albiceleste in the coming years. What do you think of Julian Alvarez’s progression? Let us know in the comments below.