Alexis Mac Allister has outlined his pride at being able to say he has played with Lionel Messi, who he describes as the “best of all time”.
Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister played a key role in Argentina’s World Cup win in Qatar two years ago as Messi finally got his hands on the game’s greatest prize at the fifth attempt.
It cemented his legacy as the best player of his generation before Messi then led his country to their second successive Copa America crown earlier this year.
🎙️ Alexis Mac Allister interview – “Now, I want more”
🔴 The Liverpool midfielder talks to AS about life under Arne Slot, scoring against Real Madrid and the future for Mohamed Salah and Lionel Messi.
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“Leo is everything,” said Mac Allister in an interview with Spanish newspaper AS.
“For my generation and for those of us who have shared a dressing room with him, he is everything. He shows in every match, training session or in a chat that he is a top person and player. It makes me happy to share a dressing room with Messi and to be able to say that I have played with the best of all time.”
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Mac Allister eager for Messi to play on at 2026 World Cup
Messi is now 37 years of age but shows no sign of slowing down having just been named the MVP for the 2024 MLS season in which he captained Inter Miami to the Supporters’ Shield.
Mac Allister is hoping the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar can maintain his level and lead Argentina at the 2026 World Cup which is being staged in Mexico, Canada and the United States.
He added: “There’s a year and a half left to go until the World Cup, and that’s nothing. He looks happy, and although I don’t know what will happen with his future, it seems like he’s going to stay with Inter Miami. I hope he can make it because he’s the player who makes the difference.”
‘Winning a World Cup is the best’
Mac Allister is relatively new to the international scene – Qatar was his breakthrough tournament – and the 25-year-old looks back on that period with immense satisfaction.
He said: “The World Cup in Qatar gave me a place in this team. I feel comfortable with the style of play that has always been a characteristic of Argentina. That is, always trying to keep the ball as much as possible and connect through passing.
“My role may be a little different, as sometimes I am defensive and other times offensive, but I am proud of what I have achieved. Winning a World Cup is the best.”
