Argentina and Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez has heaped praise on international teammate Lionel Messi and has labelled him as 'one of a kind' ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Messi, 35, is preparing for his fifth – and potentially last – World Cup tournament this year and he will be bidding to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time by winning his first and Argentina's third world title.
The Paris Saint-Germain star heads to the Middle East in fine form, netting 12 goals and providing 14 assists in 19 appearances for the French giants so far this season, while he has also scored 11 times in his last seven international games for Argentina.
Messi's latest strike for La Albiceleste came in the comfortable 5-0 friendly win against United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, a game which also saw the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner set up Alvarez for the opening goal.
Alvarez is hoping to start alongside Messi in Argentina's opening World Cup group-stage fixture against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, and he has said that it is a "privilege" to play alongside his idol.
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Speaking to City TV, Alvarez said: "For me, Messi is always at his best. Even when he is not he is still the best, because of what he can do. It's magnificent.
"He is one of a kind. Obviously, having him in the team is a privilege and I'll help him and the whole team bring joy to Argentina.
"He leads the group in a great way and this was reflected before the final [of the Copa America]. He said some amazing words.
"Being there you realise that he is a really normal person, he is a great person and a great captain."
Spirits are high within the Argentina camp, with Lionel Scaloni's side boasting a remarkable 36-game unbeaten run across all competitions, and Alvarez is feeling optimistic ahead of the World Cup.
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"We are in a great moment where we are not losing games, the team is good and solid, but a World Cup is really hard," the 22-year-old added.
"Obviously we will try to give our best as we always do. But like I said, it is a World Cup and any match you could get knocked out. I am feeling very good, I am playing a lot of minutes and I hope to arrive in my best form.
"Everybody has helped me and slowly I've kept improving. I was always patient and in the last games I have played more minutes. I think that's the result of hard work and we need to keep doing it this way."
Alvarez, who signed for Man City in January before joining up with Pep Guardiola's side over the summer, has scored three goals in 12 appearances for Argentina since making his international debut in June last year.
Oliver Thomas
