Lionel Messi may be stealing the show but Julian Alvarez could be pivotal for Argentina in their pursuit of World Cup glory. 

The Manchester City forward did not begin the tournament in Lionel Scaloni's starting line-up but his performances have made him undroppable for La Albiceleste. 

His threat in the final third will be integral in Sunday's final as Argentina look to claim a third title by beating France. 

We take a look at why the 22-year-old has become his nation’s starting No9 ahead of the World Cup showdown.

Too good to ignore

Lautaro Martinez began the World Cup as Argentina's first-choice centre forward. 

The Inter Milan marksman has developed a fine relationship with Messi over the last few years and it made sense that he would continue playing that role in Qatar. 

But sub-par performances against Saudi Arabia and Mexico saw Scaloni drop the 25-year-old in favour of Alvarez, who was impressing too much off the bench to be ignored. 

The decision has paid off — the Calchin native has scored four goals in the 364 minutes he has played in Qatar. 

Only the peerless Messi, with five strikes and three assists to his name, has contributed more to the cause.

Putting Croatia to the sword

Hard-running and intelligent, Alvarez is the perfect foil for Messi in the final third but he exploded in his own right during Argentina's dominant 3-0 semi-final victory over Croatia. 

The striker won the penalty that Messi converted in the 34th minute to give La Albiceleste the lead and then scored twice himself to put the result beyond doubt. 

Given his previous goals at this World Cup came in must-win games against Poland and Australia, it is safe to say that the former River Plate prodigy has a taste for the big occasion. 

Alvarez has certainly not looked out of place since forcing himself into the side despite having never previously started for La Albiceleste at a major tournament.

Praised by Messi

Considered the greatest footballer of all time by many, Paris Saint-Germain talisman Messi has exacting standards and needs his colleagues to meet them. 

That is what makes the 35-year-old's comments when asked who aside from him deserved to be named Player of the Match after Argentina's victory over Croatia so impressive. 

He said: "Every player did very well but if I have to choose, I would give this award to Julian. He had an extraordinary game".

A boost for Manchester City

Alvarez's excellent form could be a real boon to Manchester City as well as Argentina. 

The Citizens are five points shy of current league leaders Arsenal ahead of the resumption of club football following the break for the World Cup — and a strikeforce of the Argentine and the on-fire Erling Haaland would strike fear into the hearts of many a Premier League defence. 

The Argentine has impressed in his early form for City following his summer move from River but he only has 357 minutes of Premier League football to his name, scoring three goals. 

Playing a key role in an Argentina side that could lift their first World Cup since the days of Diego Maradona could see him figure more prominently under Pep Guardiola.

World Cup final role

Some of the greatest players in history have never played in a World Cup final — but Alvarez will do it at 22. 

And he will play a key role, too. The centre forward's selfless, hard-running style is the perfect counterbalance to Messi's more relaxed approach. 

But that does not mean that the City star sacrifices individual contribution in the final third — only Messi and Kylian Mbappe have outscored him in Qatar.

Nobody has been more accurate with their shooting than the youngster, who has hit the target with seven of his 10 shots (70%). 

If a chance falls Alvarez’s way at Lusail Stadium on Sunday, he will be ready and waiting.