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Ricky Alvarez has revealed a previously unknown secret about Lionel Messi's participation at the 2014 World Cup.
Ahead of the Albiceleste's game with Nigeria, Messi was carrying an injury and there was a chance that he wasn't going to play.
"I remember in the warmup the coach approached me," Alvarez said on Instagram Live.
"He said that Leo was having a problem and maybe I'd have to play.
"It was a big responsibility to have to play in place of him."
Messi did start, scoring twice in a 3-2 win, and was withdrawn for the midfielder 15 minutes into the second half.
"That was the peak of my career," Alvarez said.
"Being among the 23 and playing at a World Cup.
"I fulfilled a dream. It was incredible."
Messi was key in guiding Argentina to the World Cup final that year, where they fell against Germany.