He admitted that Spain arrive at the 2026 Finalissima in better form. The Liverpool midfielder praised the level of the European champions and anticipated a “complicated” match. Speaking with streamers Agusneta and Teo D’Elia, the former Boca Juniors player offered an honest assessment of both national teams. “They have very good players, they are in a very good moment and the Finalissima is going to be complicated. We are confident, we are moving forward,” he said.

Mac Allister added that Spain are going through a strong stretch and placed them among the best national teams in the world, alongside France. “Today I see Spain above us,” the midfielder stated. “There is a lot of rivalry with the Spanish. It will be nice to return to Qatar.”

Beyond that match in Doha, Mac Allister also spoke about the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina will attempt to defend the title they won in 2022. “Another World Cup is coming. We are eager. There is excitement, as always, because we are Argentina,” he said. “I think France and Spain are the two best, although we are there as well,” he added, recognizing the level of the world runners-up.

What is next for Argentina

On March 27 at Lusail Stadium, Argentina will face Spain, the reigning European champions. The matchup revives the spirit of the Finalissima that Argentina, led by Lionel Scaloni, won in 2022 against Italy at Wembley Stadium, a defining night for Argentina.

With both national teams among the elite in world soccer, this new edition promises a high-level showdown. Argentina will look to reaffirm their status against Spain, who, according to Mac Allister, enter the match one step ahead.

In addition to serving as a preview of what could unfold at the World Cup, the clash highlights two perspectives. Spain feature a hungry generation seeking to repeat their 2010 triumph, led by young Lamine Yamal, while Argentina aim to defend their crown and deliver another moment of joy not only to their country, but also to their legend, Lionel Messi.

In an exclusive interview with ESPN, Mac Allister expressed both joy and confidence in his current form, stating, “I think I’m in the best moment of my career.” When asked about the greatest player in history, the World Cup winner didn’t hesitate in his response.

The Liverpool midfielder once again paid tribute to Lionel Messi, declaring the Argentine captain as the greatest of all time. “Leo is the best in history. I grew up watching him play, and for me, he’s the greatest,” said the former Boca Juniors and Argentinos Juniors star. Díaz, seated alongside him, nodded in agreement — echoing the same sentiment.

Mac Allister also acknowledged the generational debate that surrounds the GOAT conversation. “People who experienced Maradona live hold a very special place for him and think he was the best ever, too. So, it’s a complicated discussion,” he said with a smile.

Díaz names his Colombian idols, praises Messi

During the same interview, Luis Díaz also shared some of his personal soccer idols from Colombia, highlighting national legends who once played alongside him. “Falcao is one of the best I’ve seen, and I was lucky to have him as a teammate. Valderrama is another, though I didn’t watch him much growing up. I’d say those two, plus James [Rodríguez],” Díaz said.

Before naming Messi as the best soccer player in South America — and in history — Díaz joked about his own candidacy. “Best in South America? No question — it’s me,” he said, laughing, as Mac Allister joined in. “But seriously, for me, it’s Messi. Everything he’s accomplished… he was an inspiration when I was a kid.”

Mac Allister didn’t expect title to come so easily

Despite Liverpool’s dominant finish to the domestic season, Mac Allister admitted he didn’t anticipate such a smooth path to the title under new head coach Arne Slot. “I didn’t have the feeling that we’d win the league as comfortably as we did,” he said. “We’re in a process that’s just beginning.” Liverpool ultimately sealed the championship with a resounding 5–1 victory over Tottenham — a match that included a goal from Mac Allister himself.

The lifelong rivals are far away from Arsenal and Manchester City, who are involved in an exciting title race in the final weeks of the Premier League campaign. But it looks like they’ll have to outbid the one another to get one of their targets.

Both the Red Devils and the Reds are believed to have strong interest in an Argentine World Cup champion at Qatar 2022 who is set to leave his club at the end of the season.

Report: Man Utd, Liverpool set to offer for Alexis Mac Allister

According to Fabrizio Romano, Alexis Mac Allister and his camp consider a summer move from Brighton done. The midfielder’s stock has significantly increased since his brilliantWorld Cup performance, but he accepted to wait until June to play elsewhere.

The transfer market expert claims Mac Allister’s agents will start talks with Manchester United and Liverpool soon, as the end of the season is looming around. At 24, the Argentine player looks ready for a bigger challenge.

Mac Allister is under contract with Brighton until 2025, so even if the club is ready to let him go, his asking price will probably be high. According to Transfermarkt, his market value is €42 million.

According to The Sun, AlexisMac Allister had told Messi during one of Argentina’s training camps that he did not like to be called “ginger”. “Ginger” or “Colorado” in Argentina is referred to those who have reddish hair and there is an urban legend that people with red hair carry with them bad luck in Argentina.

“I remember everyone called me ‘Colo’, which is ginger in Argentina. I don’t like it much and he told the team-mates that. (Messi) said, ‘He doesn’t like to be called Colo, so don’t call him that!” Mac Allister also went on to mention his admiration for Lionel Messi.

Alexis Mac Allister on Lionel Messi

“I trained with (Messi) when I was in the Argentinian squad twice, but I didn’t play with him. It was fantastic, the same as in the matches he trains. It’s something you cannot believe” the Brighton midfielder stated.

Mac Allister also told the story of how when he met Lionel Messi, “I was red, completely red. I didn’t even want to say hello. I was really nervous even to meet one of the best players in the world, but it was fantastic, of course. It’s something I’m not going to forget. It was magic when my dad played with Maradona and I could train with Lionel Messi.”