Julian Alvarez exclusive: Retire?! We all want Lionel Messi to keep playing for Argentina - Inter Miami star can comfortably keep leading us for years

The Manchester City forward led Argentina's attack with Messi as the Albiceleste won their first World Cup in 36 years in Qatar. The pair are set to link up again for Lionel Scaloni's side at the Copa America this summer, which could be Messi's last dance with Argentina. However, Alvarez said he would love for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner to keep on playing for his country.

"It will depend on him but I think if he wants to he can do it comfortably," Alvarez told GOAL in an exclusive interview. Asked if he and his Argentina team-mates want Messi to keep playing, Alvarez said: "Yes we do too."

Alvarez grew up idolising Messi and admitted it was "crazy" that he ended up playing alongside his hero for Argentina. "When I was growing up he was my idol and I remember in the training sessions with the senior team I asked him for a photo," Alvarez added. "And then when I went to the senior team I got another point of view. It’s something crazy but also really nice and I try to enjoy every moment playing with him. And I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved with the national team in this time and which he got after searching for it so long."

Messi is Argentina's all-time top scorer with 106 goals, 50 more than second-placed Gabriel Batistuta, who he surpassed in 2016. He also overtook Batistuta as Argentina's top scorer at the World Cup by scoring seven times in Qatar.

Alvarez, who won six major trophies between December 2022 and December 2023, is eyeing yet more success this year. He has already set his sights on City repeating last year's treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, and he is determined for Argentina to successfully defend their Copa America crown. "Obviously we're going to try and do it again," he added.