Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez behind only Pele in World Cup history after Croatia display

Lionel Messi may have been the star of the show but two goals from Julian Alvarez in Argentina’s World Cup semi-final win against Croatia has seen the Manchester City striker enter the history books

It’s rare to find a player these days who can match records set by the great Brazilian footballer Pele, yet Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez did just that for Argentina out in Qatar.

The 22-year-old Manchester City striker scored Argentina’s second and third goals as they pulled off a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Croatia on Tuesday, inspired by none other than Lionel Messi.

As per OptaJavier, Alvarez became the youngest player since Pele to score a brace in a FIFA World Cup semi-final or final, with the Manchester City forward scoring twice as Argentina beat Croatia to book their ticket in 2022 final this Sunday.

22 – Julián Álvarez 🇦🇷 (22y 316d) is the youngest player to score twice in a World Cup semi-final or final since Pelé 🇧🇷 in 1958 (17y 249d). Gem. pic.twitter.com/e5p7iL0pCd

— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) December 13, 2022

Back in 1958 when the tournament was held in Sweden, a 17-year-old Pele set the world alight by netting a hat-trick for Brazil in their 5-2 win semi-final win against France. Five days later, the Brazilian hotshot bagged a brace as the Selecao beat the hosts in the final, again recording a 5-2 victory.

To this day, Pele, who is tackling health issues after having a tumour removed from his colon in September 2021, remains the only player to score in a men or women’s World Cup before turning 18.

Alvarez and his superstar teammate will now return to the Lusail Stadium for Sunday’s grand final, facing either holders France or underdogs Morocco.

Regardless of the outcome this weekend, the ex- River Plate prodigy will have fond memories to look back on once the tournament ends.

And City fans will no doubt be proud of their new superstar forward upon his return to Manchester later this month.