'Let's hope so' – Man City star Julian Alvarez makes admission about Lionel Messi

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez hopes Lionel Messi will continue to be available for the Argentine national team for as long as possible.

Messi, who will turn 37 next month, has been included in Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni's plans for this summer's Copa America in the United States. Argentina are the current holders and will get the tournament under way on June 20 against Canada.

Argentina won the last edition of the Copa America in 2021, beating hosts Brazil 1-0 in the final. That marked Messi's first major title with the national team before winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

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The most decorated player in Argentine history, Messi will leave a huge void that will need filling when he does eventually decide to retire, but Alvarez, who has also been included in the squad for the Copa America, is hoping it won't need filling any time soon.

"Let's hope so," Alvarez told ESPN when asked if Messi will remain part of Argentina's plans for the foreseeable future. "He's going to decide until when, but we want him to be there, it's better."

Alvarez starred alongside Messi at the 2022 World Cup, scoring four goals and registering one assist, as the nation scooped their first World Cup crown since 1978. Alvarez scored twice in their 3-0 win over Croatia at the semi-final stage and was lauded by Messi in a post-match interview.

Messi said: "I always say the same thing: the group work rate is our strength, and any of my teammates deserves to be Man of the Match. But today I think Julian has stood out above all; he