Alexis Mac Allister Reflects on Messi's Impact and Argentina's Future

Alexis Mac Allister knows exactly what Argentina are about to lose.

Lionel Messi, 39 years old and still the heartbeat of the world champions, is edging towards the end of a glittering international career. When he finally walks away, he will do so as Argentina’s record appearance holder and record goalscorer: 207 caps, 125 goals, a World Cup lifted in 2022, and a generation defined.

For those left behind, the scale of the void is obvious.

“There will never be another like him”

Speaking to ESPN, Mac Allister didn’t bother searching for new superlatives. He went back to the basics that every Argentina player seems to reach for when Messi’s name comes up.

“The words for Messi are always the same: gratitude, and the realisation that there will never be another like him,” he said.

“We've enjoyed our time with him immensely. We're also grateful to him for everything he's helped us win. It's sure to be a very emotional occasion.”

The emotion will be one thing. The tactical reality, another.

Mac Allister was clear: Argentina cannot pretend nothing will change when their captain finally steps aside.

“It will be a different process with new players coming in,” he explained. “We need to start realising that the best player in the world, the one who made all the difference, won't be there anymore, and that we'll have to grow stronger as a team.”

No illusions. No safety net. A team built for years around a once‑in‑a‑lifetime talent will have to find a new identity, and do it quickly.

Backing Messi for another Ballon d'Or

Messi’s international farewell is looming, but the debate around his legacy still spills into the present. Asked about his captain’s chances of adding another Ballon d’Or to an already overflowing collection, Mac Allister didn’t hesitate.

“As Argentines we'd love for Messi to win it. He had an incredible World Cup and I don't see why he shouldn't be awarded it,” he said.

“We all know that Leo has always prioritised the team over individual achievements, so it wouldn't be a big deal for him.”

The midfielder’s words echoed a familiar theme: Messi’s myth is built on individual brilliance, but his teammates insist his focus has always been collective. For Argentina, that mindset helped deliver the Copa América and the World Cup. For the next generation, it becomes the standard to chase without the man who set it.

Club uncertainty amid Anfield admiration

While he contemplates a future without Messi in sky blue and white, Mac Allister is living with a different kind of uncertainty in red.

The Liverpool midfielder has already admitted to disappointment that the club have not yet moved to extend his deal, particularly after fellow midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai secured new contracts. His own situation, for now, remains unresolved.

Despite interest and chances to leave Anfield in the summer, he stayed put. The long-term picture, though, is still cloudy.

“There's no firm decision yet. I still have two years left on my contract,” he explained. “As I said, I'm going to give it my all. A lot can happen in that time; there are plenty of options.”

No demands. No ultimatums. Just a player keeping his options open while committing to the present.

He made a point of underlining how he feels about where he is right now.

“Hopefully it'll be for more years, but if it's just two, I'll have to enjoy them with my family, because I have no doubt that I'm at one of the best clubs in the world.”

For Mac Allister, one era is closing with Argentina and another sits on a knife-edge at Liverpool. Messi’s exit will force a nation to reinvent itself. His own contract question may yet force a club to decide just how central they believe he is to their next great side.