Alexis: Messi made the difference

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Albion midfielder reflects on his captain's contribution to Argentina's World Cup win.

Bruce Talbot

2022-12-19T10:56:00Z

Alexis and his teammates celebrate as Lionel Messi lifts the trophy.

Alexis Mac Allister is a World Cup winner – and he has no doubt who was mainly responsible for making his dreams come true.

The Albion midfielder created Argentina’s second goal for Angel De Maria and could be proud of his performance as his country beat France 4-2 on penalties after what is being hailed as the best World Cup final ever ended 3-3 after extra time.

It was captain Lionel Messi who eventually led La Albiceleste to their third World Cup, scoring twice and being awarded the golden ball for the best player in the tournament.

Alexis Mac Allister battles for the ball with France's Marcus Thuram

Asked afterwards what made the difference in the final, Mac Allister said simply, “Messi. It is always Messi, it is always Messi. He was fantastic.

"I think he is the best player in the world, the best player of all time. He is amazing, he is a really nice guy, he is humble so he has everything to be the best player in history. It is amazing to share a dressing room with him and I'm very grateful."

Mac Allister "I cannot explain in words what I am feeling now, I think this team gave everything on the pitch so I'm really happy for the result."

Mac Allister broke into the Argentina team after they lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in their first group game and started every match after that.

His partnership in midfield was key to Argentina’s success, according to South American football expert Tim Vickery, who has monitored Mac Allister’s progress since he left Argentinos Juniors to join Boca Juniors before moving to Albion in 2020.

“Mac Allister solved a problem for them,” he said. “It was a real blow for them before the tournament to lose Giovani Lo Celso on the eve of the tournament, he was a key supply for Messi from midfield. They tried a few alternatives and in the end Mac Allister who came in and stood up, so he is an immortal as well now in Argentina like Messi and the rest.”

Millions of fans poured onto the streets of the capital Buenos Aries to celebrate Argentina’s success and the squad, including Mac Allister, will be heading there from Dubai today for an official celebration.