Julian Alvarez has revealed that Pep Guardiola has already told his Manchester City squad who he believes will win the World Cup this winter.
The striker joined City in the summer from River Plate and has since impressed in a back-up role to Erling Haaland. He will be hoping those performances ensure a call-up to the Argentina squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
If he does indeed make the grade for La Albiceleste, the 22-year-old will also take with him the backing of his club manager. That is because Alvarez has revealed that Guardiola has tipped Lionel Scaloni's Argentina side to win their first World Cup since 1986.
Argentina are many people's favourites to win the tournament, with talisman Lionel Messi in fine form for Paris Saint-Germain. And Guardiola appears to be convinced that Messi will finally get his hands on international football's most prestigious trophy.
"One of the first days Pep, the Portuguese, and Rodri were talking about who could win the World Cup, I didn't say anything. They were saying Portugal, France, other European nations and Pep says, 'do you know who has the best chances?' They don't say anything and he points at me," Alvarez told ESPN.
"Among the three, four, five we are. In a World Cup it is not easy, a game leaves you out, but I think we have what. At 22 years of age, being on a list available to the coach is very nice. I'm going to do my best to be there.
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"I always dreamed of playing in Europe, being in the National Team. I didn't imagine how fast, in seven years all this happened, I'm very happy with the whole process. In my house we are very soccer fans, the world stopped when the National Team played. The whole family turned on the TV, in the armchair at home and not a fly would fly."
Argentina were drawn into Group C alongside Saudi Arabia, Poland and Mexico. They should easily qualify for the knockout stages and are currently on one of the longest unbeaten runs in international football history.
Alvarez will hope he will be able to play a part in their campaign in Qatar, having settled well into life in the Premier League. He hailed Guardiola for his management of City and admitted his excitement at playing under the Spaniard.
"There are a lot of transitions, very fast players. The first few days it was a bit difficult for me, but I took his hand. It wasn't easy but I was willing to learn. They always tell me that they remember very well the Argentines who were here," Alvarez added.
"There are a lot of people who work at the club, to be in all the details. Guardiola is in all the details, he gives you a lot of material, a lot of instructions. I didn't have many coaches to compare, I've learned a lot from everyone. I'm studying English, I loosen up little by little to speak."
