Alejandro Garnacho told ‘You made the best decision of your career’, and the 1978 World Cup winner is impressed

This opened up the opportunity for Alejandro Garnacho to start, and play his first minutes of the tournament. For context, it was only his sixth cap and second start.

Garnacho played 66 minutes in the 2-0 win, forming a three-man attacking line of Angel di Maria and Lautaro Martinez, who scored twice.

High expectations from Alejandro Garnacho

Alejandro Garnacho played his first game since the FA Cup final as he was not used as a substitute during Argentina’s friendlies.

Garnacho is seen as the most valuable Argentine teenager since Lionel Messi.

This means there are high expectations for Garnacho, which in turn meant his goalless performance failed to win everyone over, with Argentine media outlet TN reporting: “Alejandro Garnacho performed poorly and was indebted to the great expectations placed on him.”

On the contrary, positivity towards Garnacho was expressed on social media.

Argentinian influencer Lautaro Del Campo, who has made videos with Sergio Agüero and has almost half a million followers, wrote a message to Garnacho on Instagram.

He pointed to his decision to swap Spain for Argentina, noting: “You have made the best decision of your career, Garna. You will destroy it all.”

Boca Juniors fan account Bocasuymundo added: “I really liked your debut in the Copa America, too bad some didn’t even pass the ball to you, there are many who have their egos in the clouds. We have to take care of Garnacho, who has a great future.”

Ossie Ardiles on Alejandro Garnacho

Alejandro Garnacho has also won the plaudits of 1978 World Cup winner and former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ossie Ardiles.

Ardiles told TNT Sports Argentina: “He is an excellent player, what he does in the game is very good.

“He’s a different player, it’s a pleasure to watch him.”

Garnacho will be on the bench again for Argentina’s knockout rounds, but he may have shown enough to warrant a substitute appearance as the season progresses.

These are all good experiences for the 19-year-old, who could play a more prominent role come the 2026 World Cup.

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