Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has backed Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or while admitting that his own future at Anfield remains undecided.
The Argentina international has previously revealed his disappointment that Liverpool did not offer him a contract extension, admitting earlier this month that he felt “very sad” about the situation.
Despite those frustrations, Mac Allister remained at Liverpool last summer after turning down opportunities to leave the club. The midfielder has continued to play an important role for both Liverpool and Argentina, although he has now acknowledged that he has not made a final decision regarding his long-term future.
Attention has also turned towards Argentina’s future following the eventual end of Messi’s international career.
Mac Allister believes Argentina must become stronger collectively as the country prepares for life without its legendary captain, while acknowledging the extraordinary influence Messi has had on the national team.
The words about Messi are always the same: gratitude, and the awareness that another player like him will never come along. We enjoyed our time with him enormously.
Mac Allister said.
Messi leaves the Argentina national team as the country’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances.
Despite being 39 years old, the Inter Miami forward remains in contention for another Ballon d’Or after his performances for club and country.
Mac Allister believes Messi deserves to receive the prestigious individual award once again.
“Yes, absolutely,” the 27-year-old said when asked about Messi’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
As Argentinians, we would like Messi to win it. He delivered an exceptional World Cup and I see no reason why he should not be given the award.
Mac Allister’s comments underline the continued admiration within the Argentina squad for Messi, whose influence extends far beyond his individual statistics and achievements.
For Mac Allister, however, there is also an important club decision waiting to be made.
The midfielder will return to Liverpool duty following the international break, with Manchester City scheduled to visit Anfield on October 11.
While his immediate focus will be on Liverpool’s campaign, questions over his long-term future are likely to remain until a decision is eventually reached regarding his contract situation.
For now, Mac Allister remains committed to his responsibilities with Liverpool while continuing to support Messi’s pursuit of another Ballon d’Or triumph.
