Manchester City striker, Julian Alvarez says he’s optimistic PSG star, Lionel Messi can replicate his club performance for Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Recall that the former Barcelona forward, has netted 11 goals and bagged 12 assists from 16 games in all competitions for the Paris club this season.
Argentina are in Group C of the 2022 FIFA World Cup alongside Poland, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.
However, in a chat with ESPN Argentina, Alvarez stated that Messi’s good run of form is invaluable to the national team ahead of the World Cup.
“It’s true that he’s having a great year as usual. He’s doing very well so obviously it is very important for the Argentine national team,” Alvarez told ESPN Argentina.
Messi has scored 90 goals in 164 games for Argentina. He has scored six goals and recorded nine assists in 11 French Ligue 1 games this season.
Style of play
Due to his short stature, Messi has a lower centre of gravity than taller players, which gives him greater agility, allowing him to change direction more quickly and evade opposing tackles; this has led the Spanish media to dub him
La Pulga Atómica (“The Atomic Flea”).
Despite being physically unimposing, he possesses significant upper-body strength, which, combined with his low centre of gravity and resulting balance, aids him in withstanding physical challenges from opponents; he has consequently been noted for his lack of
diving in a sport rife with playacting.
His short, strong legs allow him to excel in short bursts of acceleration while his quick feet enable him to retain control of the ball when
dribbling at speed.
His former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola once stated, “Messi is the only player that runs faster with the ball than he does without it.”
Although he has improved his ability with his weaker foot since his mid-20s, Messi is predominantly a left-footed player; with the outside of his left foot, he usually begins dribbling runs, while he uses the inside of his foot to finish and provide passes and assists.
