Mac Allister: Spain deserved World Cup final win

Alexis Mac Allister, the Liverpool midfielder, again spoke about the Argentina national team, refusing to shy away from any of the issues that have dominated recent months. He addressed the 2026 World Cup (Mundial) final against Spain, the flood of conspiracy theories on social media after the defeat, and the impact of Lionel Messi’s retirement.

World Cup final, conspiracy theories and Messi’s retirement

Scaloni (Lionel Scaloni) called the midfielder up for a double international friendly date and Mac Allister (Mac) was emphatic when referring to rumours of a supposed arrangement for the European side to keep the Cup. He dismissed the idea outright, saying there was no evidence of any deal.

"Al ser una familia de fútbol, entendemos que esas cosas no existen. Lamentablemente, hoy vivimos en un mundo donde, con las redes sociales, hay muchísima impunidad y cualquiera puede decir cualquier cosa", he said. The quote underlines his frustration with the unchecked spread of false narratives online.

Messi, the 2022 World Cup champion, also made a balance of the final and recognised that Spain was superior during the encounter. He added that the result left a feeling of frustration within the squad, especially because Argentina were close to winning despite not showing their best version.

Recalling the decisive match against Spain, Mac Allister did not hide his sadness about the result, although he noted the group tries to keep the positive aspects of the World Cup journey. "We always keep the positive things. Obviously, it was a very big pain not to have been able to win it, because we all felt we were close and could win that final of the world", he explained.

The midfielder also recognised the merits of the opponent and dismissed any interpretation linked to a supposed arrangement. "The reality is that Spain was much better and deserved to win it. Even with us playing badly, we were very close; that's what hurts the most", he added.

His statements also pointed to the comments that multiplied on the internet after the Argentine defeat, insisting that the environment of the Selección (Selección) does not give credit to those versions. "We understand that those things do not exist", he said before questioning how easily accusations spread on digital platforms.

Another topic Mac Allister addressed was the retirement (retiro) of Lionel Messi from the Argentina national team. The captain played his last match with the Albiceleste jersey against Benin on 6 October at the Monumental.

Mac Allister acknowledged that he still finds it hard to accept that he will no longer share day‑to‑day life with the best footballer in Argentine history. "Just as it happened with the World Cup, it is hard to accept those things, I think we still don't realise that Leo won't be with us any more. Maybe now, when we go, yes. I understand, obviously, everything that was generated, his decision", he said.

He also left a small hope of seeing Messi again with the national shirt: "I feel there is still a little door open at some point. I feel that because he always gave everything for the Selección, always made a difference on the pitch. He did it in a World Cup at 39 years".

With Messi out of the call‑up, the side begins a renewal stage, although Mac Allister believes there is material to sustain the competitive level of recent years. "Perhaps a new stage starts in the national team, without Leo, without the best player of all, but still I think there is future. There are many boys who are pushing, who have a lot of talent. I hope it is the start of something new or a continuation of what we already did", he analysed.

He highlighted some young footballers who left good impressions in their first opportunities with the national team. "Leonel Flores made a very good impression in training, in the matches he played, although he played little. Agustín Giay also is a player who has done very well and has shown in training the level he can give", he noted.

He also spoke about Nicolás Paz, describing him as a talent that is rare and that the federation values and tries to help. "About Nico, we all know what he can give. There is no doubt he is a talent that there are not many and we value him and try to help him also", he said.

Beyond the national team, the midfielder referred to his present at Liverpool and his future in English football. With a contract running for a year and a half, the Argentine recognised that his intention is to continue in the English game (LIVERPOOL).