Liverpool are coming off a stellar campaign, having clinched the Premier League title with matches to spare. While their early exit from the UEFA Champions League was a disappointment, the Reds found renewed strength throughout the season, led by standout performances from Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Colombian winger Luis Díaz. The pair recently shared their thoughts on soccer’s greatest icon — and were in full agreement.
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.
Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts during a match
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.
see also
Yamal’s path to matching Messi, Ronaldo outlined by Barcelona coach ahead of Champions League clash
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.
