Liverpool and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has opened up about superstar Messi’s leadership role in the La Albiceleste squad.
Messi, who is also the captain of Inter Miami and was once the captain of Barcelona, has become an icon not only for his talent but also for his unique leadership style.
Superstar Messi has been captain of the Argentina national team since 2011. Under his leadership, La Albiceleste reached the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but unfortunately, their dream of winning the world championship was shattered by defeat to Germany. After that, Messi and the team missed out on many major titles, especially the 2018 World Cup.
However, the 37-year-old Argentine superstar’s perseverance has been rewarded with a series of titles: Copa America 2021, Finalissima 2022, FIFA World Cup 2022, and most recently another Copa America championship this summer.
Mac Allister admires captain Messi as a leader. Photo: GETTY.
On The Rest is Football, midfielder Mac Allister described superstar Messi as a leader who leads through actions rather than words: “He has grown into this role and has been fantastic for us. He doesn’t say much, but when he needs to, he speaks up.”
“For example, before every game, Messi always says what he thinks or wants. That is really special for us. Messi’s leadership is not just through words but also through actions,” Mac Allister continued.
Not only is he excellent as a leader, superstar Messi also sets a series of impressive records. He has won the Golden Ball of the World Cup twice, in 2014 and 2022. In addition, Messi also shares the record of 10 hat tricks in the national team shirt with Cristiano Ronaldo – the most in the history of international men’s football. Remember Messi’s first hat trick for the Argentina team came in a friendly match against Switzerland in 2012 (won 3-1). Just a few months later, he scored a second hat trick against Brazil, helping Argentina win a thrilling 4-3.
Messi and his close friend Suarez played brilliantly for Inter Miami. Photo: GETTY.
Of these, four of Messi’s last five hat tricks have come for La Albiceleste. Notably, superstar Messi is the first player in history to score three hat tricks in the South American World Cup qualifiers. The last time he scored three goals for Argentina was in a 6-0 win over Bolivia in the World Cup qualifiers in October this year.
At the club level, superstar Messi has also left a strong mark at Inter Miami. In this year’s Major League Soccer (MLS) season, Messi scored his first hat trick for his new team in a 6-2 win over New England Revolution. He also helped the team win the Supporters’ Shield and recently received the 2024 MLS Player of the Year award, confirming his position as the league’s number one star.
Lionel Messi is not only a great player with a series of titles and records, but also an exemplary leader. Whether on the field or in real life, superstar Messi always proves his worth, not only through words but also through extraordinary actions, inspiring teammates and fans around the world.
