Brighton and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister says he can see Lionel Messi play in the next World Cup despite his age. Although Leo will be 39 at the next tournament, Alexis and his teammates want their captain to stay.Mac Allister was one of the standout players as Argentina triumphed in Qatar, but Messi was the glue that kept everyone on that team united and focused. Speaking to Argentinean TV station TyC, the Brighton man admitted his desire.”Leo knows that we want everything as long as he wants and can, so hopefully, he can continue with us. I see him in the next World Cup. I have no doubt that at 40 or 45, he will continue to be the best in the world. He is very professional, you can see it, he is in perfect physical condition to continue playing calmly. Above all, he has everything in his head, beyond the physical. We don’t have any problem running for him if needed.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7065034##Mac Allister spoke about the experience of meeting Messi for the first time and the joy of playing alongside his idol.”I first met Messi on a tour of Spain with the national team. I was so nervous my face turned red. I was tired from the trip, but it’s a moment I’ll never forget.”The Brighton midfielder acknowledged where he had the most dialogue with Messi was in the games, especially in the first one Mac Allister played, against Mexico in the second round. “If he saw something that could improve the team or me, he would obviously tell me. I remember the game with Mexico a lot. He told me that if they pulled back a little, I would go forward to find space. On the pitch, we talked a lot.”Alexis Mac Allister: “I couldn’t believe the play Messi made [against Croatia] on Julián’s goal. I left Juli aside and went to hug Leo. I told him ‘you’re a son of a b*tch*’. The strength he has and how he handles his body is amazing.” @gastonedul 🗣️🇦🇷pic.twitter.com/TXGWycYFch— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) March 1, 2023 Alexis revealed his reaction after the play of the match against Croatia, where he ended up assisting Julian Alvarez after starting from midfield. “I was going directly to hug him. I swear I couldn’t believe the play he made. Josko Gvardiol is a very important player. There is talk that he would go to a big club, a young player, physically strong – but Leo took him out for a walk.”
