Champions League final: Julian Alvarez vs. Lautaro Martinez - ESPN

The chasm in financial forces between Saturday's Champions League finalists is shown clearly by the status of their Argentine strikers, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.

Less than six months ago, Alvarez was one of the break-out stars of Argentina's World Cup win. He became first choice during the course of the campaign in Qatar. His youthful legs did a lot of the hard running for Lionel Messi and he contributed four goals to the cause — the only Argentine player other than Messi to score more than once. Lautaro, meanwhile, lost his place in the starting lineup, seemed to suffer a breakdown in form, had to content himself with a bit-part role off the bench and was not able to get onto the scoresheet. Come the end of the tournament, then, there was no doubt about the respective places in Argentina's pecking order.

— Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

But at club level it is a very different story.

True, this is the first season at Manchester City for Alvarez, and he has certainly not disappointed. His total of 17 goals in all competitions is a more than reasonable return, especially as his opportunities are limited. For his club, Alvarez is the bit-part player; Erling Haaland is king of the front line and everything has to fit around the Norwegian goal machine. When City are at full strength, Alvarez has to make do with a place on the bench, where he sits in very good company alongside outstanding players such as Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez and the ghost of the 2022-23 season, England's Euro 2020 first-choice central midfielder, Kalvin Phillips.

Internazionale have nothing like the same astonishing strength in depth, but they pose a threat. They can rotate their big striker, with the veteran former