Julian Alvarez once posed for a photo with Lionel Messi but is now celebrating World Cup win and hoping to help Argentina to glory with childhood hero

Julian Alvarez enjoyed a night that he’ll have spent many nights dreaming of, celebrating a World Cup win with Lionel Messi.

The Manchester City forward led Argentina’s attacking line in their crucial World Cup group stage match with Poland, a fixture that they won 2-0 on the night.

Getty 3 Messi and Alvarez have struck up quite the relationship

Advertisement

As a result, the South American nation earned top spot in Group C and will face Australia for a spot in the quarter-finals on Saturday evening.

Alvarez was a key part of Argentina’s success having scored their second goal of the night with a wonderfully-taken effort, having linked up with Lionel Messi in the final third.

It wasn’t long ago that the 22-year-old attacker was posing for photos with the global superstar as a child.

Advertisement

Now, he’s a valued teammate who is forging quite a partnership with the Paris Saint-Germain star.

Messi was instrumental throughout the clash with Poland, but had a moment to forget in the first half after seeing his penalty saved by Wojciech Szczesny.

But goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Alvarez were enough to earn a 2-0 win for Argentina and send a statement to the rest of the World Cup to say that they mean business.

Julián Álvarez starts alongside Lionel Messi with Argentina's World Cup dreams on the line 🇦🇷

It wasn't too long ago that he was just a kid trying to get a picture with his hero 🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/8uSo9zPfv1 — ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 30, 2022

Advertisement

Getty 3 Alvarez scored Argentina’s second with a finish Messi would’ve been proud of

Most read in Football road England's possible route to Qatar 2022 World Cup final with dates and times confirmed PAINFUL 'I can't even look' - Norwich star Sargent suffers freak injury during USA win hero 'Still my brother and I love him' - USA stars show class and comfort crying Iran stars over Ben White leaves the World Cup for 'personal reasons' as Arsenal defender heads home CONCERN Netherlands blow as Man United target limps out of training in tears HOT WATER England's World Cup opponents Senegal under investigation by FIFA for rule break

Advertisement

With Messi and Alvarez in attack, the South American side look dangerous and the Manchester City man will be hoping to make more memories with his hero in what looks certain to be the 35-year-old’s last-ever World Cup.

3 Group C’s final standings. Talk about fine margins

Click here to read article