In a heartfelt article for The Players' Tribune, Argentinian midfielder Alexis Mac Allister shares his incredible journey, from the brink of abandoning his English football dream to achieving World Cup glory and becoming a Liverpool mainstay.

A young Mac Allister with his parents and brothers in Argentina.

Mac Allister credits his mother for his success, stating, "If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here today. I wouldn't be a Premier League champion. I definitely wouldn't be a World Cup champion. You probably wouldn't even know my name." In December 2020, while playing for Brighton, he faced a difficult period, struggling for game time despite wearing the coveted number 10 shirt. Feeling lost and isolated in a new country during the Covid-19 pandemic, he confided in his mother during a tearful FaceTime call, expressing his desire to return home to Argentina.

He recalls his early days in England, arriving from Boca Juniors in early 2020 and making only one substitute appearance before the pandemic halted everything. Isolated and unable to speak English, he began taking basic language lessons via Zoom. "It was truly depressing," he admits. He felt like a child again, relying on his mother for simple tasks like operating the oven. By Christmas, with stadiums still empty, he had packed his bags, ready to accept offers from Russia or Spain.

His mother's words, however, changed everything. She reminded him of his childhood dreams, playing football with his brothers in their backyard. He reminisced about his unwavering childhood ambition to be a footballer, regardless of his father, "El Colorado," being a Boca Juniors legend. He vividly remembers his first visit to La Bombonera with his father and brothers, witnessing the adoration his father received, solidifying his own passion for the game.

Mac Allister's impressive moments at Brighton.

As a teenager, he and his two brothers all played for Argentinos Juniors, enduring 90-minute drives to training in their dilapidated Ford Ka, nicknamed "La Cuca." His mother's reminder of these sacrifices and his lifelong dream reignited his determination. He stayed, and after Christmas, injuries within the Brighton squad provided him with the opportunity he needed.

His breakthrough came with two goals against Everton in January 2022. He recalls his father's story of overcoming a slump at Boca Juniors by switching to longer studs, becoming more aggressive and determined. This resonated with Mac Allister, marking a turning point in his career. With the 2022 World Cup approaching, his father, an avid analyst, encouraged him, highlighting his consistent playing time in the Premier League as a factor that could secure him a spot on the Argentinian national team. To his surprise, his father's prediction came true.

Mac Allister (center) with Lionel Messi (left) and Di Maria.

Mac Allister joined Brighton from Argentinos Juniors in 1/2019, but continued to play for the Argentinian club for the remainder of the season. He then played for Boca Juniors on loan for the first half of the 2019-2020 season, officially joining Brighton in 1/2020. Before moving to Liverpool in 2023, he scored 20 goals and provided 9 assists in 112 appearances for Brighton. Photo: Reuters

Under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, Mac Allister's game elevated further, focusing on improving his field vision and analytical skills. He learned to constantly assess the game, using Martin Odegaard's exceptional awareness as a benchmark. His improved performance led to a call-up to the Argentinian World Cup squad, a moment of shared tears with his parents. Despite a shocking opening defeat against Saudi Arabia, Mac Allister remained focused. He describes a humorous incident during the match where the coach mistakenly called for a different substitute, much to the amusement of his family watching from behind the bench.

Argentina faced intense criticism after the loss, but captain Lionel Messi rallied the team, urging fans to keep faith. Mac Allister emphasizes the Argentinian resilience, stating, "In football, a match lasts 90 minutes for a reason. If you play perfectly for 80 minutes but don't know how to endure the last 10, you will never be a champion." He recounts the quarter-final clash with the Netherlands, describing the on-field altercation as a "party" for Argentinians, accustomed to such passionate encounters. This fighting spirit propelled them through the tournament.

Mac Allister argues with Dutch players during the 2022 World Cup quarter-final. He started six matches in the tournament, including the final against France. Photo: AFP

Despite the pressure, Mac Allister felt remarkably calm throughout the tournament, even sleeping for 10 hours the night before the final against France. He remembers assisting Angel Di Maria's goal, witnessing the emotional release of his teammate, a reflection of the nation's collective joy and pain. He praises goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's crucial saves, particularly in the penalty shootout, comparing his unorthodox style to a child playing on a bed, mimicking legendary goalkeepers. He vividly describes the silence before Martinez's save, followed by his own outburst of disbelief, contrasting with his teammates' stunned silence.

The aftermath of the victory is a blur, with Mac Allister overwhelmed by the celebrations. He recalls the surreal experience of returning to a rainy Brighton in January, and a conversation with Adam Lallana who observed a special connection between him and Messi on the field. Later that season, a "James Bond-esque" meeting with Jurgen Klopp led to his move to Liverpool. Klopp saw in him a similar potential to Ilkay Gundogan, envisioning him as a box-to-box midfielder, a role his father always encouraged him to embrace.

Coach Klopp hugs Mac Allister after Liverpool's 0-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace in the 33rd round of the Premier League on 14/4/2024. Photo: Reuters

Mac Allister felt an immediate connection with Liverpool and Klopp. He describes the transition of the midfield, moving from a "heavy metal" style to a more possession-based approach, requiring adaptation to suit the team's attacking players. A turning point came after a disappointing draw against Luton Town, where Klopp's frank assessment of their performance spurred them to improve. The unexpected announcement of Klopp's departure shocked the team, but Mac Allister understood the immense pressure of managing at the highest level. He praises Mohamed Salah's exceptional professionalism and dedication, recounting humorous anecdotes about Salah's intense training regime.

Mac Allister (number 10) celebrates his opening goal in Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Bologna in the second round of the Champions League group stage at Anfield on 2/10/2024. Photo: AP

New manager Arne Slot brought a different, less "rock & roll" style, focusing on possession-based football. Mac Allister also highlights Slot's compassionate support during a difficult personal period. He fondly remembers the camaraderie within the team, particularly with his South American teammates: Luis Diaz, Alisson, Darwin Nunez, and Taffarel. He shares lighthearted stories about their mate-drinking sessions and asado barbecues, highlighting the cultural differences and friendly banter. He especially remembers Diogo Jota, whose untimely passing deeply affected the team. He honors Jota's genuine character and playful spirit.

Mac Allister reflects on the bond within the team, comparing it to the camaraderie his father shared with Diego Maradona after retirement, playing "showbol" together and sharing stories. He cherishes the brotherhood in football, which made Liverpool's Premier League title victory even more meaningful. He describes the emotional impact of the win, coming after a challenging year and the anticipation of becoming a father. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of appreciating every moment, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of football and life, and highlighting the value of perseverance, a lesson he learned from his own journey from obscurity to World Cup champion.