Argentina Star Shockingly Asks to Leave Pro Club After World Cup Win

Julian Alvarez has the planet’s attention during the World Cup, and the defending champion made use of his stage following another victory at the tournament on Monday.

Following another magical day by teammate Lionel Messi as he took sole place as the top goal scorer in World Cup history in a 2-0 win over Austria, the Argentine star forward spoke to media following the game with a message that he wanted to send out.

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I don't want to hide or act like I don't want to be clear,” said Alvarez in an interview with ESPN after the triumph. "I spoke to Atletico [Madrid] people and I think the best for everyone involved is for me to leave. I want to fulfill my dream.”

Although there was already drama this past month with Real Madrid attempting to contact Alvarez, the prevailing belief from multiple reports that the Argentina player seeks a contract with rival Barcelona.

There were reports over the weekend that Alvarez, frustrated with the situation, would soon publicly announce his intentions in moving on from Atletico to push the team to sell him to his desired club.

Barcelona has won back-to-back La Liga titles with the emergence of Lamine Yamal alongside his Spain teammate Pedri, but bringing in Alvares as the team’s primary striker would be on paper an upgrade over their current starter Ferran Torres. For Alvarez, who has been used as a secondary striker for Atlético in more of s shadow role, would be flung into the spotlight at Camp Nou with Barcelona.

While the deal would make sense for both Alvarez and Barcelona, Atletico Madrid have been staunch in their position of wanting to keep the striker.

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 7:38 PM.