The curious case of Julián Álvarez and the $175 million price tag
Argentine media focus on the Araña’s quiet game, in which he started against Jordan and did not seize the opportunity. The noise is affecting him amid a multimillion-euro move for his departure.
It had been barely a week since Julián Álvarez made headlines with a statement about his future that reverberated across Argentina and at Atlético de Madrid: “The best thing for everyone is that we look for a transfer.” Amid that turmoil, with Argentina already through to the knockout stage as group winners, the Araña was handed his first start of the World Cup. Lionel Scaloni rotated his squad and turned to several fringe players, including Álvarez. Expectations were high, but his performance fell well short.
He received the lowest rating of any Argentina player on statistical websites, a 5.8. He managed just one shot on target despite registering 0.9 expected goals, touched the ball 43 times, with only three touches coming inside the penalty area, and failed to create a single key pass.
The Argentine media did not hold back in their assessments. Olé awarded him a 6, the lowest rating among Argentina’s starters. “He drifted away from the box to help recycle possession. He had a left-footed effort that the goalkeeper saved. Perhaps he lacked precision with a few passes in the final third,” the outlet wrote. Clarín was even harsher, giving him a 5, the equivalent of a barely passing grade: “He struggled to get involved, failed to show what he is capable of in front of goal, and mirrored the subdued performance of the rest of his teammates.”
Social media also turned its attention to Álvarez. Although news of his desire to leave Atlético has generated less discussion there than it has in Spain, there is growing concern that the uncertainty surrounding his future could affect his World Cup performances. In his battle with Lautaro Martínez for Argentina’s starting No. 9 role, the Inter striker won this round by scoring, albeit from the penalty spot, while also looking noticeably sharper and fresher.
Four years ago, Álvarez’s introduction to Scaloni’s starting lineup from the second match of the World Cup proved pivotal in Argentina’s run to the title. Back then, the Araña was the quick, incisive and clinical striker who transformed the attack and became one of the team’s decisive figures. This time, however, the story is different. Caught in the storm created by his own desire to leave Atlético, his World Cup performances have fallen well short of the reported $175 million valuation attached to him.
‼️🇦🇷 LAS DECLARACIONES DE JULIÁN ÁLVAREZ
— Carrusel Deportivo (@carrusel) June 22, 2026
🗣️"No puedo esconderme, trato de ser honesto, hablé con el Atlético de Madrid y creo que lo mejor es una transferencia, quiero cumplir mi sueño"
➡️ Ese 'cumplir mi sueño' es irse al FC BARCELONA pic.twitter.com/zZ4BAnI5lx
Related stories
Canada breaks an historic World Cup rule
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment