Argentina’s Julian Alvarez Poised to ‘Complete’ Football with Olympic Gold at Paris 2024
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/28th July 2024
At just 24 years old, Argentine football sensation Julian Alvarez is on the verge of ‘completing’ football. With an impressive array of accolades already under his belt, Alvarez is now eyeing the ultimate prize: an Olympic gold medal at Paris 2024. This triumph would mark the culmination of a stellar career, one that has seen him achieve remarkable feats on both the domestic and international stages.
Alvarez’s journey to football greatness began less than two years ago when he played a crucial role in Argentina’s triumphant campaign at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This victory was followed by a historic treble win in his debut season with Manchester City, where he helped secure the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League titles. This achievement made him the first player in history to win both a World Cup and a domestic treble in the same season.
In addition to these milestones, Alvarez has also lifted the Copa America and the Finalissima trophies, leaving little else to conquer in the footballing world. However, the elusive Olympic gold medal remains the missing piece in his illustrious career.
Argentina’s rich history in Olympic football adds a layer of expectation and excitement to Alvarez’s quest. The nation has previously claimed gold at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Games. Leading the current squad is Javier Mascherano, a two-time gold medallist himself, who once played alongside the legendary Lionel Messi.
Despite their storied past, Argentina’s campaign at Paris 2024 got off to a rocky start. In a dramatic opening match, they were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Morocco. The game was marred by controversy, with Argentina’s late equalizer being disallowed for offside, leading to a two-hour delay before the match concluded. This unexpected setback meant that the team faced a must-win situation in their next match against Iraq.
Rising to the occasion, Argentina secured a vital 3-1 victory over Iraq, with Alvarez playing a pivotal role by providing two assists and demonstrating exemplary leadership on the pitch. This win reinvigorated their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages and set the stage for what could be a memorable campaign.
While domestic football offers numerous trophies, few achievements can rival the significance of an Olympic gold medal. For Alvarez, who has already amassed an impressive collection of titles, adding this prestigious honor would be a crowning achievement in his career.
A win against Ukraine on Tuesday, July 30, would propel Argentina into the knockout stages and bring Alvarez one step closer to ‘completing’ football. The prospect of standing atop the podium with an Olympic gold medal around his neck is undoubtedly one of the sweetest triumphs he could achieve.
Alvarez’s trophy cabinet is already brimming with honors, including the FIFA World Cup, Copa America, CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions, Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup, among others. His success with River Plate further showcases his consistent excellence across different levels of competition.
As Julian Alvarez continues to make his mark on the footballing world, the Paris 2024 Olympics presents a unique opportunity for him to solidify his legacy. Should he succeed, he will have accomplished the rare feat of winning every major accolade in both domestic and international football, truly ‘completing’ the sport.
