Julián Álvarez Overtakes Messi's Early Champions League Record
The Champions League has long served as a measuring stick for the world’s best players, and all eyes are now on Julián Álvarez after his explosive performance for Atlético Madrid. In the round of 16 against Real Madrid on March 4, 2025, Álvarez hammered in a right-footed rocket in the 32nd minute to temporarily level the match, etching his name into the competition’s record books. This wasn’t just any goal—it marked his 15th in the tournament across spells at Manchester City and Atlético Madrid. And that number matters.
Why? Because it means the Argentine has gone past Lionel Messi’s haul of 13 goals in his first 26 Champions League games. Álvarez got to 15 within the same span as Messi’s early European outings at Barcelona, making the comparison too juicy for fans and pundits to ignore. Messi was just 21 when he cracked the 15-goal line, but he took 29 matches. Álvarez, at 25, is scoring at a rate even the GOAT couldn’t maintain in his early days.
A New Generation Steps Up
For many, Álvarez’s instinctive and clinical finish—leaving Real’s Thibaut Courtois grasping at air—sparked memories of Messi’s own Champions League magic. The debate over generational talents ignited almost instantly. Real Madrid legend Marcelo and former Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal didn’t miss their chance to weigh in, using the moment to stoke the Messi vs. Ronaldo fires across social media and in the press. But this time, a new name sits alongside the giants.
It wasn’t just a record-setting goal. For Atlético, it was a much-needed lifeline, handing them a precious away goal in a match where they were considered long shots. Coach Diego Simeone has trusted Álvarez to lead the line, and he’s paid back that faith with a flurry of impactful displays this season. The numbers say it best: at just 25, Álvarez has forced his way into the conversation as one of Europe’s top in-form strikers. His blend of pace, confidence, and icy finishing touches has made him a nightmare for defenders. Even in the face of Real Madrid’s 2-1 win, his strike stands out as the night’s talking point.
This electric form doesn’t just matter for Atlético Madrid. Argentina’s eyes are locked on their rising star with the 2024 Copa América looming. Álvarez’s ability to deliver on big European nights makes him a natural favorite to spearhead the national team’s attack. The comparison to Messi isn’t about imitation—it’s about the passing of the torch. After his record-shattering goal, fans and critics alike are starting to wonder: just how high can Julián Álvarez climb?
