Alejandro Garnacho is ready for a pinch-me moment as he prepares to make his long-awaited international debut for Argentina.
The Manchester United winger is set to make his bow in this week's friendly with Indonesia with the World Cup winners also taking on Australia in a friendly double-header.
The 18-year-old, who was called up to the senior squad in March but forced to pull out through injury, has previously starred for his country at Under-20 level. He didn’t feature in the recent World Cup at that age group, with United opting against releasing him for a tournament played outside the international window.
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But he scored four goals in four games at the 2022 Maurice Revello Tournament winning Player and Goal of the Tournament honours. And he’s now set for the step up and to realise a dream of playing with the iconic Lionel Messi, something of
"I didn't talk much with Messi," said Garnacho, speaking to TyC Sports . "I went from watching him on TV all my life and now I have him here, it seems that it's not real."
He added: "I spoke with Lionel Scaloni here. He asked me if I was nervous and I told him I wasn't. When I play I try to be me. I'm a young guy but I don't care about age, I try to play the way I know how."
Garnacho was born in Madrid and played three times for Spain’s Under-18s at youth level but admitted he always wanted to represent Argentina, the birthplace of his mum.
"I didn't hesitate at all because I feel Argentine, because I am Argentine. They bet on me and I had it clear, it is a very big national team. I don't need to play three games, this tour doesn't matter, I already know that I want to be with Argentina. I know the Argentines love me and I am grateful for that. I'm going to return that love on the pitch."
Garnacho made 34 appearances for United in all competitions last season, scoring five goals. He recently penned a long-term contract at Old Trafford keeping him at the club until 2028.
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