Julián Álvarez met with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone in the United States, where Simeone revealed they talked about Alvarez's current moment and his importance to Argentina.
What happened?
Simeone stressed that Alvarez's focus should be on Argentina's match with Cape Verde, not on transfer rumors.
Alvarez is reported to have accepted a five-year contract offer from Barcelona, but the club can't afford his price tag, which has been raised to $171 million by Real Madrid.
Why it matters for Julián Álvarez
Simeone called Alvarez an extraordinary player and the best player at Atletico, praising his continuity and performance.
Diego Simeone, the manager, asked Alvarez about his ankle injury and was told he was already 100% recovered.
What comes next?
Simeone didn't commit to commenting on Alvarez's links to Barcelona, but said everything will be resolved this summer.
Alvarez gave Atletico an offensive hierarchy that is difficult to find in any player, and his work as a second striker is spectacular, according to Simeone.
He made a great partnership with Antoine Griezmann and has played with Lionel Messi a lot, showing his ability to form strong partnerships.
Simeone's son, Giuliano, is also representing Argentina at the FIFA World Cup, and Simeone came to the training camp to see him, but also had the opportunity to talk to Alvarez.
The numbers speak for themselves, and Alvarez's performance has been extraordinary, with very good continuity and generating things within the team.
Atletico is very happy with Alvarez's performance, and Simeone hopes he can show his quality in the national team.
Alvarez has always behaved well as a person and a professional, and Simeone can't say anything more about his future.
The situation will be resolved this summer, and it remains to be seen if Alvarez will fulfill his dream of wearing Barcelona's iconic number 9 jersey, left vacant by Robert Lewandowski.