From his sensational solo goal in the semi-final victory over Croatia to his link-up with Lionel Messi, Alvarez has been one of the stars of Qatar 2022.
And he has helped to end a 36-year wait for Argentina with a victory that sparked jubilant scenes inside the Lusail Stadium, the capital Buenos Aires and all across Alvarez’s home country.
The City forward started for La Albiceleste, playing an important role in his nation’s second goal of a breathless encounter against the 2018 champions.
A Kylian Mbappe hat-trick would cancel out a Lionel Messi brace and Angel Di Maria strike, with Emiliano Martinez’s penalty heroics earning the South Americans a third World Cup triumph.
For the 22-year-old it caps a remarkable tournament that started from the bench and trying to turn around a shock deficit to Saudi Arabia, to becoming a certain starter and the perfect foil for Messi’s magic.
Alvarez finishes the tournament as a national hero after his four goals were a major contribution on their way to glory.
His performance in the 3-0 win over Croatia to clinch a place in the final was perhaps the standout moment with a big involvement in each of Argentina’s goals.
Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Alvarez raced clear and was brought down by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
He then scored an incredible second himself, finishing off a 60-yard run in style after a couple of moments of good luck along the way.
And he was in the perfect place to sweep home a third after another moment of brilliance from his inspired team-mate Messi.
SHOP: JULIAN ALVAREZ’S CITY RANGE
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner picked up the man of the match award from City legend and former Argentina team-mate Sergio Aguero, but later said: “Every player did very well, but if I have to choose I would give this award to Julian Alvarez. He had an extraordinary game.”
After defeat in their opener against Saudi Arabia, Argentina were facing an early exit in their second Group C game against Mexico.
Nerves were starting to build with the score goalless at half-time but their fortunes changed shortly after Alvarez came on as a 63rd minute substitute.
Just over 60 seconds later, Messi put Argentina ahead before Enzo Fernandez’s late strike killed off the game.
Coach Lionel Scaloni decided Alvarez was a must-starter from then on and was rewarded with goals in the 2-0 win over Poland and round-of-16 victory over Australia as well as his double against Croatia.
And he repaid that faith with another convincing performance in Sunday’s showpiece.
Now Argentina have clinched their third-ever World Cup success and first since the triumph of Diego Maradona and his team-mates in 1986.
Everyone at City would like to congratulate Alvarez on becoming a world champion!
