Alejandro Garnacho has lifted the lid on his close bond with fellow Argentinian Lisandro Martinez, as well as life in the Argentina training camp.
The 18-year-old is set to receive his Argentina national team debut this week after he was called up for international duty by Lionel Scaloni following the conclusion of the 2022/2023 campaign.
Garnacho was unfortunate to miss out on La Albiceleste’s World Cup-winning campaign last year, in which they lifted the lucrative trophy for the third time in their history. Martinez was part of the squad for the tournament in Qatar.
However, given his young age and potential, the Carrington graduate will undoubtedly be given the chance to secure further titles in the future for both his country and club.
He opted to represent Argentina over his birthplace of Spain (Madrid) due to his mother’s nationality and he is eager to earn his first cap in the blue and white of the world champions.
Garnacho lifts lid on international life
Garnacho spoke with Gaston Edul of TyC Sports to discuss his forthcoming international debut, here are the key talking points:
Lisandro Martinez is like a father figure to him
“Here they call me Ale and Licha tells [calls] me Garna because in Manchester they call me that. Lisandro is like my dad there [in Manchester], he helps me a lot and tells me when I do it right, when I do it wrong. He is a person of 10. He tells me about the National Team.”
Watching Argentina win the World Cup
“It was incredible. It’s crazy. I think both Argentina and Leo deserved it. They came making a very good World Cup. That final, with the penalties, was terrible and everyone was suffering. I had to see it in Manchester because those of us who didn’t go to the World Cup had already returned. I saw it with my mom, my grandfather, my brother. In the end, it happened and ended as we expected.”
His preferred position
“People saw me play, my first position is a left winger. But wherever you put me, I don’t complain. Wherever the technician [manager] decides, I’ll be there.”
Interacting with childhood hero Lionel Messi and his national teammates
“The colleagues [interact] quite well with me, very involved. Encouraging me, supporting me. With Messi, I didn’t talk much yet, because it still seems unreal for me. I was watching him all my childhood on TV and now he is here, it’s just incredible. it seems unreal. The coach tells me to be calm, to play as I know he is going to give me the opportunity.”
