Mac Allister Urges Argentina to Prepare for Life After Messi
Alexis Mac Allister believes Argentina must begin preparing for life without Lionel Messi, with the Liverpool midfielder acknowledging that the eventual retirement of the national captain will leave an unprecedented gap in the world champions’ side.
Argentina face the eventual Messi transition
Messi, now 39, is approaching the closing stages of an extraordinary international career. The 2022 World Cup winner has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina, figures that make him both the country’s leading scorer and most-capped player.
Mac Allister said the squad’s feeling towards its captain is defined by appreciation for what he has delivered on and off the pitch. He described Messi as a unique player, said the group had treasured playing alongside him, and noted that his departure will be an emotional moment after the trophies he helped Argentina win.
- Messi is Argentina’s record holder for appearances, with 207 caps.
- He has scored 125 international goals.
- He captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup.
- Mac Allister expects the team to enter a demanding new phase once Messi leaves international football.
A collective response will be required
The midfielder stressed that Argentina cannot simply find an individual replacement for Messi. Instead, he expects new players to be integrated and the team to develop a stronger collective identity when the forward is no longer available.
Mac Allister said the players must recognise the scale of the loss: the player capable of deciding matches in decisive moments will eventually be absent, making a more united and resilient Argentina essential.
Mac Allister backs Messi for Ballon d’Or
Mac Allister also gave his support to Messi in the Ballon d’Or discussion, arguing that his compatriot’s World Cup performances make him a deserving candidate for the individual award.
While Argentina would welcome another personal honour for their captain, Mac Allister said Messi has consistently placed the needs of the side above individual recognition and would not treat the prize as more important than the team.
Liverpool future remains open before Manchester City test
Mac Allister’s international reflections come as his own club situation remains unresolved. He has previously voiced disappointment that Liverpool had not offered him a new contract while fellow midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai received extensions.
Although he rejected opportunities to leave Anfield during the summer, Mac Allister has not made a final decision over his future. He has two years remaining on his current agreement and intends to commit fully during that period, while accepting that several possible outcomes could emerge.
- Mac Allister has two years left on his Liverpool contract.
- He stayed at the club despite summer opportunities elsewhere.
- He hopes to remain beyond the end of his present deal, but is determined to enjoy his remaining time with his family if it ends after two more seasons.
- He described Liverpool as one of the world’s leading clubs.
Once the international break is over, Mac Allister will return to Liverpool preparations for the visit of Manchester City to Anfield on October 11. The midfielder will look to put the contract uncertainty aside as Liverpool resume domestic competition in a significant home fixture.
