The sequence began when Alvarez linked up with compatriot Giuliano Simeone, drawing a desperate foul that fundamentally altered the match. The referee wasted no time issuing a straight red card to Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi, and Alvarez made them pay immediately, clinical execution on the ensuing set piece to punish the 10-man Catalan side.

The goal marks Alvarez’s 17th across all competitions this season, a vital contribution for a player who has found himself under the microscope recently. After battling a dip in form and mounting scrutiny from the Madrid faithful, the Argentine “Spider” used one swing of his boot to silence the critics and remind the league of his world-class quality.

Alvarez continues Champions League tear

With his latest strike, Alvarez has now tallied eight goals in this year’s competition, cementing his status as Atletico Madrid’s premier European threat. After a clinical hat trick in the Round of 16 against Tottenham, the Argentine international has found the net again, providing Atleti with a crucial advantage on the scoreboard.

Alvarez has now matched his Champions League output with his La Liga total. While his domestic form has been characterized as less “decisive” by some critics, he appears to be playing with a renewed sense of confidence on the continent, a shift in mentality that has the Metropolitano faithful dreaming of a deep run.

Alvarez’s dominance against Barcelona

The Argentine has proven to be a persistent thorn in the side of Barcelona, racking up four goals against the Catalan giants since arriving in Madrid.

His history against Barca began last season with a goal in a 4-2 defeat at the Metropolitano. However, he truly made his mark by netting a vital brace to eliminate Barcelona from the Copa del Rey.

The conversation took place in a video with content creator Reysa, who asked Julian to name his favorite players from several countries, including Spain, Germany, Uruguay, France, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina, with one clear rule: he was not allowed to choose Lionel Messi.

The Atletico de Madrid forward ultimately selected Pedri for Spain, Jamal Musiala for Germany, Luis Suarez for Uruguay, Antoine Griezmann for France, Juan Fernando Quintero for Colombia, Neymar for Brazil, and Enzo Fernandez for Argentina.

Julian’s selections reflected a blend of established stars and players from his own generation. Pedri and Musiala have already proven themselves at the highest level despite their young age, while Enzo Fernandez has been a close teammate for Julian with Argentina and during their shared connection to River Plate earlier in their careers.

Possible reasons for not choosing Mbappe, Yamal, and James

The most striking aspect of the list was the absence of Mbappe, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world and a global superstar. However, choosing Griezmann made sense, given his historical importance to France and his strong connection to Atletico de Madrid, where Julian now plays.

In the case of Lamine Yamal, the explanation appears to be stylistic and experiential. While Yamal is still developing and has enormous potential, Pedri is already a fully established midfielder with a refined style, serving as a central figure for both Barcelona and Spain.

As for Colombia, the decision to favor Juan Fernando Quintero over James Rodriguez raised eyebrows, but it carries a clear emotional context. Quintero is closely linked to River Plate, Julian’s boyhood club, and left an indelible mark with legendary performances, most notably in the 2018 Copa Libertadores final at the Santiago Bernabeu against Boca Juniors, a moment that remains iconic in South American soccer history.

Following the latest matchday in the prestigious European tournament, Alvarez officially became the Argentine player with the most goals scored in the Champions League through his first 30 matches. In that span of contests, the Atletico Madrid forward has scored 17 goals, one more than Messi, who had reached 16 goals with Barcelona in the same timeframe.

In this specific Top 5 ranking, Alvarez leads Messi by a single goal. Sergio Aguero sits in third place with 14 goals, followed by Hernan Crespo (13) and Lisandro Lopez (13).

Alvarez reached this milestone after scoring against Union Saint-Gilloise of Belgium in his team’s 3-1 victory. Within these 30 Champions League matches, the Argentine striker has already secured one Champions League title with Manchester City.

Looking ahead this season, manager Diego “Cholo” Simeone and Alvarez will seek to finish among the top eight in the group stage to qualify directly for the Round of 16. Atletico Madrid are currently sitting in 17th position, placing them in the playoff spot for a place in the next stage.

Some of Messi’s undefeated European records

Despite having departed Europe three years ago, several records established by Lionel Messi with Barcelona remain intact:

• The Argentine star is still the youngest player to score 50 goals in the Champions League, achieving the feat at 24 years and 284 days old.
• Messi also remains the highest scorer in the competition before turning 26, having notched 57 goals. However, Erling Haaland is closing in on this record, as the Norwegian boasts 54 goals at age 25 and will not turn 26 until July 21, 2026, meaning he has ample time to score three more goals.
• Outside of the Champions League, Messi holds major records such as having the longest scoring streak in the history of Europe’s top leagues, scoring in 21 consecutive matches.
• He also holds the record for the most goals scored in a single season (club and country combined) with 82 goals during the 2011-12 season for Barcelona and Argentina.

Time in Europe continues to pass without Messi, yet some of his most historic benchmarks are still standing, constantly proving why the Argentine is hailed as one of the greatest players in soccer history. Only time will tell if someone is truly capable of breaking these monstrous marks.

Nahuel Molina Lucero, Julian Alvarez, and Giuliano Simeone have been left out of the squad after failing to complete the required health documentation related to the yellow fever vaccination needed for entry into Angola.

The only players from Spanish clubs who successfully completed their vaccination paperwork on time are midfielder Thiago Almada and forward Nicolas Gonzalez, both currently participating in Argentina’s training sessions in Alicante, Spain.

Scaloni will now have to determine who will replace the three absentees, though the same vaccination requirements could complicate any new call-ups. For instance, Marcos Acuna, who received a fifth yellow card in the Superclasico between River Plate and Boca Juniors — a match Boca won — would face similar eligibility issues.

Leandro Paredes’ case, however, is different. Despite Boca Juniors already qualifying for both the 2025 Torneo Clausura playoffs and the upcoming Copa Libertadores, Scaloni and AFA president Claudio Tapia have decided not to include players from the domestic league for Argentina’s November squad at this time.

Another key absence for a different reason

Argentina will not only miss those three players but will also be without one of their most influential midfielders, Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea. The team will lose a player who contributes on both ends — creating, recovering, and linking play seamlessly with Messi on the field.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced in a brief statement that Enzo Fernandez is suffering from bone edema in his right knee and will remain in London to continue his recovery with Chelsea. His absence is a major blow, as he has been one of the key figures in Argentina’s midfield balance.

Scaloni will have 22 players available for this friendly, with Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez returning to the squad after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, and Kevin Mac Allister — brother of Alexis Mac Allister — joining from Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Also, Emiliano Buendia of Aston Villa is one of the latest players to join the Argentina national team.

Julian Alvarez arrived at Atletico Madrid as a key player for the team. Despite swirling rumors about a possible desire to leave, the Argentine has proven to be Los Colchoneros’ most influential asset, surpassing Antoine Griezmann in impact during the 2025-26 season. He showcased his prowess by netting his first free-kick goal against Real Madrid, marking his third one since joining the squad.

Lionel Messi has secured his place among the world’s elite with 69 free-kick goals throughout his career. Though most of these scintillating strikes came during his time at Barcelona, the Argentine legend has surprisingly only netted two free-kick goals against Real Madrid. These were memorable moments, occurring on August 29 and October 7, 2012. As Julian inches closer to this milestone, he finds himself just two goals shy of eclipsing his record.

Cristiano Ronaldo still dominates Julian Alvarez in free-kick goals advantage

Julian Alvarez is on the brink of surpassing Lionel Messi’s record for free-kick goals against Real Madrid. However, when it comes to the Madrid Derby, Cristiano Ronaldo still commands an impressive lead over the young Atletico Madrid star. The Portuguese veteran has netted three free-kick goals in this fierce rivalry, cementing his status as the standout performer in this aspect.

Although Julian’s tenure in LaLiga has undeniably been impressive, the young Argentine remains far from matching the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in career free-kick goals. Unlike these seasoned specialists, he has netted only five free kicks, highlighting a clear area for growth. His journey towards establishing a lasting legacy is just beginning, and he has ample time to elevate his status in the realm of exceptional free-kick takers.

Despite their distinct styles from icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Julian Alvarez has etched his name into soccer history with Atletico Madrid after a stunning Madrid derby win. The team shattered a 75-year record by triumphing over Real Madrid, scoring five goals in the process. Alvarez’s remarkable performance played a crucial role, as he emerged as the match’s leading scorer and solidified his status as the team’s top goal-getter.

The Argentine international picked up a right knee strain last weekend against Villarreal, forcing him off at halftime. Tests confirmed the injury would sideline him for several weeks, ruling him out of Tuesday’s clash in England.

While Liverpool manager Arne Slot can count on newly signed striker Alexander Isak—who will make his competitive debut for the Reds—Simeone must adjust without two of his top attacking options. Along with Alvarez, Thiago Almada remains unavailable due to a muscle issue suffered during international duty with Argentina.

The injury list doesn’t end there for Atletico. Johnny Cardoso, Alex Baena, and Jose Maria Gimenez are also out, leaving Simeone short-handed for one of the toughest fixtures on the calendar. New signing Giacomo Raspadori is set to step into the starting lineup alongside Antoine Griezmann.

Confirmed lineups

With several key players unavailable, Simeone will field the following lineup against Liverpool: Jan Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Clement Lenglet, Javi Galan, Robin Le Normand; Conor Gallagher, Pablo Barrios, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Gonzalez; Antoine Griezmann, Giacomo Raspadori.

The only absence for Liverpool is midfielder Curtis Jones, but with Isak joining Salah and Gakpo in attack, the Reds will still present a formidable challenge for Simeone’s depleted squad.

This will be Liverpool’s lineup for tonight’s game: Alisson; Andrew Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Jeremie Frimpong; Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch; Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah.

“For number 9 (striker), I would go with Julian (Alvarez) first, then Harry Kane, and I really like Haaland. I like him more than Lautaro (Martinez), but it’s not that I don’t like Lautaro—I love him. But I like Haaland more, I don’t know why. He just seems like more of a player to me. That doesn’t take anything away from Lautaro, who is a great player. He’s grown at Inter and is a world-class player,” Luis Suarez said, via DavooXeneize stream.

Although Lautaro Martinez has established himself as one of the world’s best players, his talent predominantly lies in scoring goals, leaving much to be desired in terms of versatility and assisting. Moreover, his position as a starter in the Argentine national team is no longer undisputed, as the emergence of Julian Alvarez has overshadowed him. Nevertheless, his scoring ability with Inter Milan remains unmatched, keeping him among the top goalscorers.

Luis Suarez’s endorsement of Julian Alvarez as the world’s top striker resonates with fans, reflecting the Uruguayan playstyle in his prime. The young Argentine’s remarkable versatility and creative flair enable him to adapt to any attacking role. This positions him as one of the most well-rounded strikers, next to Harry Kane. Nonetheless, Alvarez’s superior speed adds an extra dimension of danger over the English star, solidifying his status in global soccer.

Luis Suarez revels the young striker that has surprised him the most

Luis Suarez has consistently expressed his admiration for strikers who excel not only as goal scorers but also as versatile team players. Reflecting this preference, the Inter Miami star recently surprised many by revealing the young forward who has impressed him the most, drawing comparisons to a standout player from Arsenal FC.

“There’s one who surprised me. Obviously, he’s light years ahead of the others (mentioned above). I love Joao Pedro, the Chelsea player. I’d only seen him a couple of times at Brighton, but now I’ve really started to like him. I don’t know how old he is… He didn’t catch my attention as much as he does now… The Arsenal player (Viktor Gyokeres) who was at Sporting Lisbon still lacks something. He’s good, but he still has a way to go.” Luis Suarez affirmed, via DavooXeneize stream.

In his short time at Chelsea, Joao Pedro has demonstrated remarkable versatility during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The Brazilian not only scored crucial goals but also set up teammates, showing his all-around impact. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal FC’s recent star acquisition, has struggled to fulfill expectations, facing fan criticism for not yet showcasing his talent on the field.

From joining Atletico Madrid for a record-breaking sum to becoming a key attacker, Julian Alvarez has redefined his career—and his paycheck—in the Spanish capital. His contract signals not just ambition, but trust in his potential.

What stands out isn’t just the move itself, but how much faith the club placed in him—on and off the pitch. The forward landed not only a starting role in Simeone’s system, but also a financial package that reflects his growing value.

As one of the most exciting Argentine talents of his generation, he is now in a new chapter. And while the goals may be familiar, the numbers behind his contract are a story of their own.

What is Julian Alvarez’s salary at Atletico Madrid?

In his first season with Atletico, Julian Alvarez reportedly earns around €7 million annually, according to Capology—a rise from his time at Manchester City and River Plate. That salary places him among the top earners at the club.

From €1.6 M at River Plate to this level in Spain, the jump speaks to his progression. The weekly estimate—around €136,000 gross—underscores how Atlético sees him as more than just a transfer fee: he’s now a financial and tactical focal point in Madrid.

How long will Julian Alvarez be at Atletico Madrid?

Julian Alvarez is tied to a six-year deal signed in August 2024, extending through June 2030, giving him stability and Atletico breathing room to build around his talents. The transfer was a European statement…

Atletico paid €75 M up-front, with a potential €20 M in add-ons, becoming Manchester City’s record sale at the time. Barcelona rumors swirl, but the club insists he is “non-negotiable” and under contract until 2030, cementing his place—and salary—in Diego Simeone’s long-term plan.

In a commanding display by Argentina during the first half against Chile, a brilliant long pass found Alvarez in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. Demonstrating remarkable skill, Alvarez deftly chipped the ball over the keeper to score.

Argentina solidifies their position at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers standings with 34 points. As the reigning World Cup champions, they continue to demonstrate their dominance on the international stage and have already secured their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Alvarez shines in Argentina’s narrow victory over Chile

In a tightly contested match concluding with a 1-0 victory for Argentina, Alvarez distinguished himself as a standout performer against Chile. Despite his relentless efforts to find the back of the net once more, a resolute Chilean defense and moments of missed opportunity kept him from adding to the scoreboard. Here is a look at Álvarez’s decisive goal that secured Argentina’s win.

Chile fights but falls short against Argentina

In a hard-fought encounter, Argentina emerged victorious after taking an early lead, securing their win despite numerous attempts by Chile to level the score. The Chilean team created two particularly promising opportunities, but both efforts failed to find the target and sailed wide of the goal.

This result effectively ends Chile’s hopes of reaching the playoffs, forcing them to shift their focus to future qualification campaigns. Meanwhile, Argentina, with this win, continues their preparations to defend their World Cup title at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

After the game, the referee’s decision sparked heavy controversy. The second touch looked accidental and very light. Still, the rules stated that any double contact voids the kick. Because of the uproar, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) issued an important clarification of Law 14 regarding double contact during penalties.

In the statement, the IFAB clarified that this law targets situations where a player deliberately touches the ball twice. This differs significantly from the incident involving Julian Alvarez, where he accidentally made a double touch. For that reason, the organization decided to modify Law 14 to define these type of scenarios more clearly, emphasizing that penalties would still apply:

“The penalty taker accidentally kicks the ball with both feet simultaneously or the ball touches their non-kicking foot or leg immediately after the kick:
• If the kick is successful, it is retaken
• If the kick is unsuccessful, an indirect free kick is awarded (unless the referee plays advantage when it clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalties (penalty shoot-out), the kick is recorded as missed
• The penalty taker deliberately kicks the ball with both feet simultaneously or deliberately touches it a second time before it has touched another player: An indirect free kick is awarded (unless the referee plays advantage when it clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalties (penalty shoot-out), the kick is recorded as missed.”

How could the new rules have changed the referee’s decision in Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid UCL clash?

Taking these changes into account, Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez would have retaken his penalty instead of having the goal voided. He scored the goal, so under the new rules, the shot would not have counted as a miss. However, it does not mean the referee made a mistake during the Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid Champions League game. He applied Law 14 as it was in force at the time.

Moreover, the IFAB confirmed that these changes will take full effect on July 1, 2025. Therefore, the referee will not face any consequences for his decision since he followed the correct procedure with the previous Law 14. Additionally, the updated rules will apply to every competition officially recognized by FIFA.

Argentina secured their qualification for the upcoming 2026 World Cup ahead of entering the pitch at Estadio Monumental to face Brazil. However, they didn’t hold anything back. At just the 4-minute mark, the Atletico Madrid star recovered the ball, entered the box, and found the net with ease.

Without Messi and Martinez, Alvarez has risen as one of the undisputed star of the team. His goal, according to MisterChip, is the third earliest ever scored in a World Cup Qualifiers derby. And after getting the advantage, La Albiceleste didn’t slow down.

Eight minutes later, Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez, another player who has become key for Lionel Scaloni, appeared to score the 2-0 with a great goal. After Nahuel Molina delivered a cross, Fernandez was in the perfect position to push the ball into the back of the net with a powerful shot.

However, Brazil responded in the 26th minute. After Argentina‘s Cuti Romero lost the ball in a dangerous area, Matheus Cunha seized the opportunity and chipped it over Dibu Martinez.

A heated South American derby

Despite the absence of other stars, such as Brazil’s Neymar, this South American classic has been highly anticipated, with some players such as Raphinha heating things up by claiming they were going to win.

After Bolivia failed to win against Uruguay, Argentina secured its ticket for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with 28 points so far. If they defeat Brazil, they reached 31 units. Meanwhile, Brazil have struggled in the tournament.

If things end as they stand right now, Brazil, coached by Dorival Junior, will be at the fifth position of the table with 21 points, just one over Paraguay, who are sixth. There are four matches remaining.