Alvarez Shares Guardiola’s World Cup Pick Before City Stars Left for Qatar

• Manchester City's Julian Alvarez has revealed Pep Guardiola's pick for the World Cup title
• The Argentina striker said his club football coach pointed out a player with the best chance
• The South Americans are in the final and will play France with hopes of a third world title

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has special love for Lionel Messi and does not hide it.

It has shown many times in his speeches, even after he was no longer coaching the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Julian Alvarez, an international teammate of Messi at Argentina, plays for Guardiola at Manchester City and is another player for whom the Spaniard has a special affection - just like for his compatriot.

The 22-year-old player revealed that Guardiola was talking to his players before they headed out for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and yet again his bias for Messi showed.

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Guardiola picks Argentina as winner

In an interview with ESPN Argentina, Alvarez said the Manchester City players were having a chat about who could win the Mundial, and European countries like Portugal and France were mentioned.

"Pep, the Portuguese [guys] and Rodri were talking about who could win the World Cup. They were saying Portugal, France, other European nations, and Pep said 'Do you know who has the best chances?' They don't say anything. He pointed at me."

The interview was re-shared by the English Premier League on Instagram, after La Albiceleste beat Croatia 3-0 to reach the final.

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Sports Brief earlier reported that Brazil want Guardiola to replace Tite, after the Selecao manager stepped down from his role following his nation's World Cup quarter-final exit.

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The two-time Champions League winning manager recently extended his contract with Manchester City until 2025, and it is believed he would have no intention of leaving the club where he has achieved so much.

Many managers would find it boring to coach a national team, as the frequency of games and tournaments are far fewer than those of club football.