Garnacho is mesmerised: Cristiano Ronaldo was his GOAT until he saw Messi in the flesh

Cristiano Ronaldo used to be Alejandro Garnacho's childhood hero. When the young Argentine was still playing for Manchester United's youth side, he had the opportunity to meet CR7 during the Portugues's second spell at United.

At that time, he put photo of him with Cristiano on Instagram with the caption of "The greatest of all time". Legendary Manchester City and Argentina goalscorer Sergio Aguero saw the post and left him a comment saying, "You say that because you still haven't played with the best, Leo Messi."

Months passed, Cristiano left to play in Saudi Arabia, Garnacho was promoted to United's first team - and he was called up by Argentina. All of a sudden, a lifelong CR7 fan found himself in the same dressing room as Lionel Messi.

Preparing for the friendly against Australia in Beijing, the 18-year-old winger spoke to Argentinean reporters about this new chapter in his young career.

"All the teammates are treating me very well, and everyone is supportive. I haven't spoken much to Messi. I've been watching him on TV all my life and now he's next to me. It's incredible. It's surreal."

Even though he was born in Spain to an Argentinean mother and a Spanish father, Alejandro has always felt closer to his South American heritage. He was eligible to represent Spain too, but he says his heart was constantly beating for Argentina.

"Everyone from my mother's side of the family is in Argentina, and my father's family is in Spain. I was always supporting the Argentinean national team together. I never had any doubts about my nationality. I always felt Argentinean since I was very young. To be able to play for this national team is an amazing opportunity, a huge honour. All my family is full of support for me, even though I won't play during this friendly tour. I always knew I wanted to be with Argentina, and some day it'll happen."

Garnacho enjoys the most support from his Manchester United teammate and fellow Argentine Lisandro Martinez.

"He's like a second father to me. He helps me a lot with everything he can. Whether I do something well or badly, he's the first to tell me like it is. He told me a lot about what it's like playing for the national team, and he's a great person."