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Alexis Mac Allister has a daily habit, one the vast majority of footballers past and present can only envy. It is a reminder that he won football’s ultimate prize. “I look at it every single day,” he said.
His World Cup winner’s medal.
As the Argentinian player prepares for his first final since the memorable World Cup championship, a strategic soccer player, known for his skillful playmaking, is brainstorming an idea. He stated, “My goal is to eventually have a small museum in my home, a designated space where I can display everything.” He also mentioned having a replica of the World Cup trophy, his medal, and other trophies stored in a secure location for now, but ultimately wanting to showcase them in a place where he can always admire them.
After Mac Allister finishes, the museum may require expansion. “The World Cup allows me to recognize my desire for winning more trophies,” he expressed. The Carabao Cup may present the first of four medals in his first year with Liverpool. He became the initial Brighton player to secure the World Cup, but his most recent accolade at a club level was the 2020 Primera Division, during his loan spell with Boca Juniors. Now, he yearns for even more success.
Mac Allister achieved the ultimate victory in football when he aided Argentina in overcoming France in Qatar.
At the Doha event 14 months back, a significant amount of attention was given to an Argentinian player known as No 10. The world was eagerly awaiting to see if Lionel Messi, who had been chasing the ultimate achievement of his career, would finally win the coveted prize. However, Mac Allister’s story was a different one – a tale of an unexpected journey. Despite not being initially chosen for the team, he ended up scoring his first goal for his country during the group stage and went on to win the World Cup at the young age of 23, with only 14 international appearances under his belt.
Currently dealing with injuries, Liverpool may have to play inexperienced players in their match against Chelsea at Wembley. However, Mac Allister can confirm that this does not always pose a problem. “You can witness players who are playing in a final for the first time and they excel, just like my experience in the World Cup,” he humbly stated, not mentioning that he provided an assist by crossing the ball to Angel Di Maria for Argentina’s second goal against France.
If Argentina’s advancements boosted their reputation, some of Messi’s teammates also gained more recognition. Jurgen Klopp purchased Mac Allister for a discounted price of £35m. Allister stated that Liverpool was his only opportunity. Chelsea obtained two of his companions, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, at significantly higher prices of £107m and £115m respectively.
Liverpool made an offer of £111m to acquire the services of the player from Ecuador in hopes of reuniting him with his former team. However, Caicedo ultimately decided to join Chelsea. Mac Allister expressed that he may have been slightly bothered by the events that occurred in the summer, but he is completely content with the situation.
Mac Allister and Caicedo both left Brighton in the summer and will face each other in the Carabao Cup final
Fernandez and Mac Allister were standout performers for Argentina, but Liverpool secured a bargain deal for the 25-year-old at £35m.
Undoubtedly, he has limited grounds for remorse over his personal choice. “It’s unbelievable because from day one here, I’ve truly sensed a connection that I haven’t experienced at any other team,” he stated. “I hope to stay here for many years.” He had a confident first appearance against Chelsea in August. Though he was ejected during his debut at Anfield, the red card was later revoked. He has been a refined presence in Liverpool’s midfield, often serving as its anchor and now returning to his preferred role with a more attacking focus. His manager is a fan; Klopp has dubbed him “a master of football”.
Last Saturday, Mac Allister scored in the victory against Brentford and also provided two assists within three minutes during the comeback against Luton on Wednesday. However, his standout performance in a Liverpool jersey was against Chelsea in January, where he displayed dominance in the 4-1 win. He outshone the familiar double threat of Enzo and Caicedo, stating confidently that while they may have strong players, so does his team. He looks forward to a potential rematch.
This season, he had a unique family reunion. He played against his brother Kevin during Liverpool’s game against Union Saint-Gilloise in October. Their other brother, Francis, is a player for Rosario Central. With three sons who are involved in sports, their parents rarely have time to themselves. Silvina Mac Allister will be in attendance at Wembley on Sunday. “This time, it’s for our mom,” said Alexis. “Hopefully, it will be a meaningful day for her too.”
Mac Allister played a key role in the transformation of Liverpool’s midfield and has since returned to his preferred position.
Carlos Mac Allister is often seen at Liverpool games, drawing on his time as an Argentine national player and former colleague of Diego Maradona to provide his analysis. According to Mac Allister, he always has something to say, although it may not always be positive. However, this honesty is appreciated by Mac Allister and his brothers, as it helps them improve.
The younger generation is looking forward to the family sharing stories of Maradona and Messi. They also hope that the museum he plans to create will bring back memories of his successful days at Wembley and in Qatar.
Source: independent.co.uk
