Argentina striker Julián Alvárez became the youngest player to score twice in a World Cup semi-final since Pelé in 1958. At 22, the number 9 was one of the key pieces in the 3-0 victory against Croatia, which also featured a great performance by Lionel Messi.
The information was disclosed by the portal specialized in statistics Opta. Pelé, in the 1958 World Cup, scored three goals against France at 17 years and 249 days old. Álvarez was 22 years and 316 days old when he reached the mark.
Alvárez’s match, who plays for Manchester City, was his best in this World Cup. In addition to the two goals, he conceded the penalty that opened the scoring, with Messi.
The Argentine was at River Plate until the middle of this year, when he joined Manchester City.
The young striker arrived at the World Cup with three goals for Argentina’s senior team. After five games, more than doubled the number🇧🇷 it’s already seven.
“He has played extraordinary games, playing for everyone, fighting. It was an extraordinary appearance for us. And he deserves it, because he is a wonderful boy. May he enjoy all of this”, Messi said after the match.
It’s hard to believe that he could have imagined, before the start of the World Cup, the situation he finds himself in now, being the second best player in the national team, behind only superstar Lionel Messi.
The numbers and performance in Qatar should change his level on his return to Manchester City and prove that coach Pep Guardiola’s endorsement for the investment of 21 million euros (R$ 117.6 million) in his hiring.
Argentina plays on Sunday (18), again in Lusail, against France or Morocco, in search of the title.
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