Alejandro Garnacho has caused a stir after 'liking' a controversial post on social media that suggested the Manchester United hotshot failed to make Argentina's World Cup squad for a second time 'because he is Spanish'.
Garnacho's stock is at an all-time high following his breakthrough into Erik ten Hag's first-team squad. The 18-year-old wonderkid made a major impression at Old Trafford in the weeks leading up the Premier League's break and even bagged a last-gasp winner against Fulham in last weekend's mid-season finale.
The talented teenager's form, coupled with injuries to Nico Gonzalez and Joaquin Correa, had led to speculation that Garnacho could be drafted into Lionel Scaloni's 26-man World Cup squad.
However, Garnacho has been snubbed by Scaloni for a second time after he failed to make the cut for Argentina's initial squad. The Argentine boss has instead called up Atletico Madrid's Angel Correa and Atlanta United's Thiago Almada.
That decision has left some fans online upset - and Garnacho now appears to have made his feelings on the decision clear on social media.
Garnacho, who was born in Madrid and represented Spain's under-18 side on three occasions before switching his allegiance to Argentina back in March, liked a tweet that said: "They didn't summon Garnacho because he's Spanish."
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Although Garnacho appears to have quickly 'unliked' the tweet, his interaction was quickly clocked by eagle-eyed followers and has already gone viral.
While Garnacho may be disappointed at missing out on the chance to head to the World Cup, his Manchester United boss Ten Hag hinted earlier this month that an opportunity to potentially jet off with Scaloni's side might prove to be a step too far for the winger at this stage of his fledgling career.
"It's a big step to go to a World Cup, the best players in the world come together," Ten Hag said when he was quizzed on Garnacho's chances of being involved.
"I don't know if that's the right step for him. He has to keep his head clean, stay calm, work hard and develop, go from game to game."
However, the Dutchman did lavish praise on the United starlet, who moved to Manchester from Atletico Madrid's youth system back in 2020. Speaking on Garnacho's impact, Ten Hag said last weekend: “I'm really happy that we can bring a young player up and it shows that when players deserve it, they get their chances.
"That is the first one, but we have to bring more. He's great; I like that he has a big belief and that's great to work with. He likes football. He's a real pleasure."
