Julian Alvarez scored with his chest in the Club World Cup final Credit: Getty

Lionel Messi scored a similar goal in the 2009 Club World Cup Credit: Getty

Lionel Messi 🤝 Julian Alvarez

Scoring in the Club World Cup Final with their chest 💥 pic.twitter.com/FYcd9TQ9zq

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 22, 2023

Alvarez opened the scoring just 40 seconds into the match in unusual fashion.

After Nathan Ake’s shot rattled the post, the ball fell straight to the 23-year-old on the edge of the six-yard box.

He quickly adjusted his body before deflecting the ball in with his chest.

However, some fans were quick to point out the major similarities between Alvarez’s finish and a goal scored by Messi in the 2009 Club World Cup.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also scored from close range with his chest during a match against Estudiantes de La Plata.

Barcelona went on to win the competition that year, much like Man City did this term.

Fans took to social media to react, with one person tweeting: “Julian Alvarez just recreated Lionel Messi’s chested goal in the Club World Cup! Same country-man. Same competition. Same manager. Same type of goal.”

Another wrote: “Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez scoring with their chests in a Club World Cup final!”

Man City won the Club World CupCredit: Getty

A third fan added: “Julian Alvarez scoring a goal with his chest in a Club World Cup final, reminds me of Messi.”

While a fourth simply said: “It’s uncanny!”

Man City doubled their advantage in the 28th minute after Phil Foden’s shot was deflected in by Fluminense defender Nino.

Foden all-but sealed the win with another goal in the second half before Alvarez got on the score sheet again in added time.