Argentine press react to Garnacho derby display and make Lionel Messi comparison

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Alejandro Garnacho was one of Manchester United’s heroes at the weekend in his first ever derby game.

The substitute came off the bench to set up the winning goal, with a cross for Marcus Rashford.

Garnacho has now scored two goals and provided four assists for the first team this season, and his impact is making noise in his native Argentina too.

The youngster, 18, was called into the Argentina squad last year, and at this rate, a first cap could come in 2023 too.

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Argentine press react to Garnacho’s derby display

Argentine newspaper Ole wrote: “Alejandro Garnacho is becoming, in a meteoric evolution, a figurehead for Manchester United in the Premier League.”

The same report reflected on the way Argentina managed to beat Spain to Garnacho last year, and what they might need to do next.

Garnacho was born in Madrid, has a Spanish father and represented Spain at youth level, before Argentina called him up last year. The winger’s mother and extended family hails from Argentina.

Ole‘s report compares Garnacho’s situation to a certain Lionel Messi. The report said: “The case reminds us of another Argentine who was in Spain from a very young age and with whom a manoeuvre had to be done, inventing an international match out of nothing, so that it would be shielded by the AFA. 

“That’s how Messi ended up playing for Argentina , and we already know the end of the story.”

Garnacho could still technically declare for Spain as he has not yet made his Argentina debut.

So when Argentina’s next international matches come around in March, expect the Manchester United youngster to be called into the senior squad.

Marca Argentina also reported on Garnacho’s derby performance, writing: “Alejandro Garnacho is a reality. A very big, promising and exciting one.

“Whenever he enters, he looks for how to create danger. It doesn’t matter if he’s a starter, if he plays half time or just 15 minutes, because ingenuity and creativity always count in his favour. A player with outstanding physical and technical qualities, especially considering that he is only 18 years old.”