Manchester United wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho is reportedly a secret fan of Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi. Garnacho has previously stated that Cristiano Ronaldo is his idol, but he also adores his fellow countryman Messi, as recently revealed.
Despite spending a season and a half with Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, Argentina youth coordinator Romeo revealed the winger’s admiration for the La Albiceleste captain Lionel Messi. The 35-year-old recently reached the peak of his career after leading his country to World Cup glory in Qatar.
Lionel Messi the reason Garnacho ignored Spain call for Argentina
Alejandro Garnacho holds dual citizenship in both Spain and Argentina, and has appeared in three under-18 games for La Roja. Despite missing out on Lionel Scaloni’s World Cup-winning squad last winter, Garnacho has committed his future to the Albiceleste and has already scored four goals in four appearances for Javier Mascherano’s under-20 side.
Argentina youth coordinator Bernardo Romeo told D Sports Radio that Lionel Messi is the reason the United starlet chose to represent the recently crowned world champions and the Garnacho has ‘Messi photos all over his house’. Romeo made the announcement regarding the youngster’s commitment to the Argentina national team. Romeo stated:
“Garnacho is very convinced about playing for the Argentina national team. You go into his house and he has all photos of Messi! The Spanish national team manager had called him and he was very clear, he answered out of respect, but he has decided to play for Argentina.”
Garnacho, who was born in Madrid, is eligible to play for La Roja at the senior level. However, Romeo has confirmed that any talks with Spain were not motivated by serious interest. Despite not playing in Qatar, Garnacho has had a breakout season under Erik ten Hag this season, scoring four goals and providing five assists in 29 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions, including crucial contributions against Fulham and West Ham.
Garnacho had received his first senior call-up for Argentina, where he would have been joining Lionel Messi and the rest of the squad during the upcoming international break. However, the 18-year-old sustained a heartbreaking injury during Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Southampton at Old Trafford.
Garnacho was taken off six minutes into the game after being tackled by Kyle Walker-Peters. His injury was initially thought to be minor, but the forward is now expected to be out for at least six weeks, meaning it will keep him out of Argentina’s upcoming friendlies against Panama and Curacao as well. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi will look forward to lead Argentina as the world champions for the first time.