Alexis Mac Allister publicly thanked Lionel Messi following his retirement from the Argentina national team. The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder shared his feelings in an interview this Friday, acknowledging the captain's impact on his career and the world champion squad.
Mac Allister, aged 27, was clear in his message. "I will always be grateful for everything he did for me and for the group," stated the player. "He was an example on and off the pitch. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy remains forever."
The Argentine midfielder highlighted Messi's human qualities above his sporting achievements. Mac Allister recalled how the number ten always had words of encouragement for the younger players in the squad, creating an atmosphere of trust that was fundamental during the 2022 World Cup. His influence, according to the former Boca Juniors player, was decisive in forging the champion spirit that characterized the team led by Lionel Scaloni.
The relationship between both footballers strengthened during the qualification process for the 2026 World Cup. Messi, despite his commitments with Inter Miami, always prioritized Albiceleste matches. Mac Allister was part of the starting midfield in several of those games, accumulating 35 caps and 2 goals with the national shirt according to our stats.
The Argentina national team now faces its first competitive cycle without its main figure in almost two decades. Lionel Scaloni and his coaching staff must redistribute responsibilities within the dressing room and redefine some tactical schemes. Players like Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez and Mac Allister himself will have more prominent roles in building the offensive play.
The immediate schedule includes key preparation matches before the final phase of South American qualification. La Albiceleste has already secured its place in the 2026 World Cup but aims to maintain its performance at the highest level. Defending the title in North America will be the main objective without their historic captain.
Several players are called upon to fill the void left by Messi. Emiliano Martínez has established himself as an authoritative voice in defense, while Rodrigo De Paul maintains his influence in midfield. Mac Allister, with his Premier League experience and character, also emerges as a key figure for the new stage.
The squad for the next matches will reflect the transition. Scaloni will likely give more minutes to young talents who have already shown their level, like Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Buonanotte. The manager has a talented squad at his disposal which you can review on our squad page. The team's depth is one of its greatest strengths.
| Position | Most Experienced Players | National Team Caps |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Emiliano Martínez | 38 |
| Defense | Nicolás Otamendi | 112 |
| Midfield | Rodrigo De Paul | 64 |
| Forward | Lautaro Martínez | 58 |
The table shows some of the footballers with the most experience in the current squad, who must guide the new generations. Otamendi, with 112 international appearances, is the player with the most presence in the recent history of the national team.
Argentina prepares to defend its world crown in the United States, Canada and Mexico in two years. The path includes high-level friendlies and possibly the 2027 Copa América, although the format is not yet confirmed.
Mac Allister and his teammates have the task of honoring Messi's legacy by keeping Argentina at the top of world football. The number ten's retirement closes a glorious chapter but opens another full of opportunities for those who wear the albiceleste shirt. Work at the Ezeiza training ground continues with the same intensity, now with new voices leading the project.
