Julián Álvarez revealed that he drew inspiration from Argentina teammate Lionel Messi when executing his incredible free kick at Camp Nou.
The Argentina international curled a free kick into the top corner just before halftime, putting Atlético Madrid ahead against Barcelona in their Champions League quarterfinal. Diego Simeone’s team eventually claimed a 2-0 victory in the first leg, with Alexander Sørloth adding the second goal for the visitors.
“I’ve seen Messi’s goal against Liverpool [in May 2019] here [at Camp Nou] many times, but I was uncertain if I could hit that exact corner,” Álvarez shared with ESPN.
“After striking the ball, I felt confident, and even before that, I had a good feeling about it. We practiced yesterday, and I hadn’t scored a single one. But today was the moment that counted.”
His free kick brought his season tally to 18 goals, which has only intensified interest in the forward’s services. Álvarez, who signed with Atlético until June 2030, is reportedly on the radar of Barça.
Previous reports indicated that Arsenal is also considering a move for him.
However, Atlético president Enrique Cerezo has cautioned potential suitors that he will determine when Álvarez leaves the club.
“If a player is under contract and has many years left, well, you tell me what might happen. In that case, you might as well think I’m in control, and until I say he can leave, he won’t,” Cerezo remarked.
Barcelona is looking to acquire a forward this summer, particularly with their Polish striker Robert Lewandowski set to be out of contract in June.
Álvarez, who transferred to Atlético for €75 million from Manchester City in 2024, is seen as the perfect addition by Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
When asked if he could assure that the Argentine forward would remain with Atlético next season, Cerezo responded jokingly: “Can you guarantee that you won’t die before the year’s end?”
Meanwhile, Álvarez emphasized his focus on the present.
“I’m in great form right now,” he said after earning the Player of the Match title in Atlético’s 2-0 win against Barcelona on Wednesday. “I feel fantastic, and the most crucial part of the season is approaching. We must continue to work hard because there are exciting times ahead.”
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Despite the victory, Álvarez remains cautious looking ahead to next week’s second leg of the quarterfinal at the Metropolitano.
“It isn’t over yet,” he said. “We know the type of team they are. The reality is, we have the advantage, and we need to capitalize on the support from our home crowd.”