Julian Alvarez Names Lionel Messi As Footballing Idol

New Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez has picked Lionel Messi as the player he has always looked up to.

Ever since Julian Alvarez’s performances started catching the eye beyond South America, there were many that claimed that the youngster was set to become Argentina’s next great striker.

With La Albiceleste producing goalscorers such as Sergio Agüero, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain over the years, many claimed that the 22-year old had the potential to be named in the same breadth as the acclaimed trio one day.

So much so that the now-Manchester City forward is already being considered as the new-age Agüero - as per several fans and pundits alike.

The River Plate hero’s low centre of gravity, searing pace, quick feet and lethal finishing have drawn comparisons to City’s all-time top scorer.

Additionally, Alvarez’s trademark celebration is also akin to Agüero’s during the latter stages of his City career.

With the highly-rated starlet profiling like the Sky Blues icon while also joining the Premier League champions, it would be natural to make the assumption the he has always idolised the 34-year old.

However, the club’s new number 19 has revealed the player that he has always looked up to, and it is anything but a surprise.

“Messi has been my idol since I was a child,” he said. He is my family's idol, the idol of my brothers too. So, Messi”, he stated, as quoted by Manchester City’s official website.

The star striker continued, “Messi is a hero for me. Playing for my country is a dream come true. I dreamed as a child to play in the national team with Messi. To have achieved this at the age of 22 obviously makes me feel very proud, happy, and I have to keep going for more success.”

With the Paris-Saint Germain forward being considered as arguably the greatest footballer of all time, it is understandable why Alvarez, as well as his loved ones, have idolised the definition of a national treasure.

The youngster has had the honour of sharing a dressing room with Messi on plenty of occasions, as he was a part of Argentina’s squad as they lifted the Copa America last year as well as the Finalissima in June.

Training alongside the great man whilst also watching him up-close on and off the pitch, Alvarez would have been on the receiving end of a masterclass in reaching the very top.

Manchester City fans will hope that Julian Alvarez can put these lessons into practice as there aren’t many better role models in the business than the one and only Lionel Messi.