Julian Alvarez has started just one World Cup qualifier for Argentina and was on the bench for the first two games in Qatar. He could have ended it by leading his country to glory after forging an irresistible partnership with Lionel Messi.

A goal against Poland in their first World Cup final appearance confirmed Argentina’s lead. His goal against Australia, after robbing goalkeeper Matt Ryan, was the embodiment of his enthusiasm. And against Croatia in the semi-finals, he underlined that he was important for his team.

There’s an old joke that Stan Mortensen scored a hat-trick for Blackpool in the 1953 FA Cup Final, a match known as the ‘Matthes Final’. It was said that when Mortensen died, his funeral would be known as “Matthew’s Funeral”.

Alvarez scored two of Argentina’s three goals and earned a penalty for the second goal. Messi won the Man of the Match award. Even the big man seemed resigned to the fact that his young partner might be the recipient of this award.

“All the players did well, but if I had to choose, I would give this award to Julian Alvarez,” Messi said. “Julian’s game was excellent,” added coach Lionel Scaloni. “Not only because he scored two goals, but because he helped our midfielders.

As stars go, the Manchester City striker may be too exceptional for all that. But the growth has been rapid. Speaking in the fall, Alvarez, 22, was hesitant to even get involved in the World Cup qualifiers when asked about his hopes for the winter.

“The roster hasn’t even been announced, not even the roster the team will be drawn from, but I would love to be there,” he said. sky sports. “Of course the World Cup is the most important thing in football and it would be great to be part of it.”

Alvarez did more than just get involved. He countered Argentina’s attack by rushing to a final third position. Messi’s charm made the difference, but his famous immobility demanded more of others. Alvarez delivered.

At River Plate, his coach Marcelo Gallardo spoke about his habit of playing every match as if it were his first. “It’s contagious.” At Man City, Pep Guardiola noted that Alvarez is ‘always positive’ and adds intensity to the squad with his defensive work.

Whether drifting left or right to stop attacks, he was there to try and regain possession in the final period with one-man pressure on Argentina. No striker has blocked more passes in the World Cup. He’s the man Argentina needs. The man Messi needed.

The idea that Argentina are a team playing for Messi has become a topic. “I prefer to win the title for myself,” goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said after winning the Copa America last year. On the pitch, Alvarez embodies that more than anyone.

There was a moment in the semi-final against Croatia where Messi created enough space for a corner. He took it and he was saved. Had he passed the goalkeeper or was looking for a pass, Álvarez could have kicked the ball.

There were no complaints. Instead, when Messi deflected the ball on a missed chance, Álvarez was already close to the goal, chasing a defender trying to push the ball wide and making a mistake that prevented Croatia from counterattacking. It was the model of his attitude.

His goal against Poland showed his quality, but his first goal against Croatia was more typical. Alvarez almost smiled as he walked forward, riding the ricottas. If Messi’s game is too precise, Alvarez does everything he can by making mistakes.

In open play, Alvarez has already scored twice as many goals as Messi. He had genius to thank when he scored his second goal against Croatia, but the relationship is mutual. Alvarez won the penalty scored by Messi. Their skills complement each other.

How exciting that must be for Alvarez. He was three when Messi made his professional debut, five when Messi made his Argentina debut and eight when Messi won the gold medal for his country. Growing up in Kolczyn, watching it on TV was a family event.

“We all watched football together as a family, many games and it was Barcelona that captured my family’s imagination, especially Lionel Messi.

“Of course it’s great and very satisfying that this dream of playing alongside Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players in the history of football, has come true. I must say it’s a great pride for me.

“Of course, he’s hard to imitate. He’s an exceptional talent. But like everyone around him, I watch every little thing he does, every skill. I try to learn and learn from it. the best, but he is a very surprising player not only on the pitch but also off it.”

Maybe Alvarez is trying to learn from him. But the truth is that it was their differences that were crucial for Argentina to find the right mix. Messi’s mind and feet are second to none, but Alvarez’s legs were in Qatar. Together they can write history.