Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez discloses Lionel Messi’s influence on free kick taken against Barcelona.
Julián Álvarez mentioned that he drew inspiration from Argentina teammate Lionel Messi for his remarkable free kick at Camp Nou.
The Argentina international bent a free kick into the upper corner just before halftime, giving Atlético Madrid the advantage against Barcelona in their Champions League quarterfinal. Diego Simeone’s team ultimately secured a 2-0 victory in the first leg, with Alexander Sørloth netting the second goal for the visitors.
“I’ve viewed Messi’s goal against Liverpool [in May 2019] here [at the Camp Nou] numerous times, but I wasn’t completely certain it would go into that precise corner,” Álvarez told ESPN.
“Once you make contact with the ball, you understand it, and even before I struck it, I felt quite confident. We practiced yesterday, and I hadn’t scored a single one. Today was what counted.”
The free kick brought his season total to 18 and increased interest in his services. The forward, who is contracted with Atlético until June 2030, has been linked with a move to Barça.
Previous reports indicated to ESPN that Arsenal is also considering a bid for the forward.
Nonetheless, Atlético president Enrique Cerezo has cautioned potential suitors of Julián Álvarez that he will determine when the player departs the club.
“If a player is under contract with a team and has several years remaining on that contract, well, you tell me what might happen. In that case, you might as well think I’m God, and until I instruct him to leave, he’s not going anywhere,” he stated.
Barça is aiming to acquire a forward this summer, especially with their Polish striker Robert Lewandowski’s contract expiring in June.
Álvarez, who transferred to Atlético for €75 million from Manchester City in 2024, is the preferred signing for Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
When asked if he could assure that the Argentina international would remain with Atlético next season, Cerezo responded humorously: “Can you guarantee that you won’t die between now and the end of the year?”
Álvarez, for his part, indicated that he is concentrating on the present.
“I’m in good shape right now,” he stated after receiving the Player of the Match accolade in Atlético’s 2-0 triumph over Barcelona on Wednesday. “I feel fantastic, and the most crucial part of the season is approaching. We must continue to work diligently because significant opportunities lie ahead.”
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Despite the victory, Álvarez remains prudent ahead of next week’s quarterfinal return leg at the Metropolitano.
“It isn’t finished yet,” he remarked. “We understand what kind of team they are. The reality is, we have the advantage, and we need to capitalize on our home support.”
