Mac Allister stated that the captain is a special player. Therefore, he and other players are always ready to help with an "all for one" spirit.
"The entire team always dedicates itself to Leo," Mac Allister said after Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria on the evening of 22/6. "It is important that he is happy. We have won many tournaments with him. He works in his own way, and we are grateful for that."
Mac Allister also admitted facing difficulties in the recent match, as Austria was a strong opponent with good physical condition. At times, the European opponent created significant pressure, forcing Argentina to defend and accept less ball possession.
"We knew the match would unfold that way. At times, we needed to defend and had no issue doing that. Fortunately, everything went smoothly," Mac Allister stated.
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Messi celebrates the victory with Mac Allister (number 20) after Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria in Group J of World Cup 2026, in Arlington, US, on the evening of 22/6. Photo: AP. |
Another Argentina player, Leandro Paredes, admitted he is still surprised by Messi. According to him, just when everyone thinks Messi has done all he can, the captain shines, achieving more and surprising everyone further.
Center-back Lisandro Martinez also commented: "I am deeply moved to witness Messi here every day, and he is Argentine. No words can describe it. We just need to enjoy it."
In their second Group J World Cup 2026 match on the evening of 22/6, Messi missed a penalty in the ninth minute but still secured a full three points with two open-play finishes in the 38th and 90+5 minutes. Austria's ball control at times held little significance. The reigning champions consistently displayed their mettle, defended solidly, created more opportunities, and surged ahead at decisive moments.
Following two victories, 3-0 against Algeria and 2-0 against Austria, Argentina secured their spot in the round of 16 and first place in Group J with a match to spare. Messi and his teammates currently have 6 points, three points ahead of Austria and Algeria, while Jordan has no points.
The brace against Austria helped Messi set a record of 18 goals across World Cup tournaments, surpassing Miroslav Klose's previous record by two goals. Kylian Mbappe also recently reached 16 goals with a brace in France's 3-0 victory over Iraq. Former Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario now sits in fourth place with 15 goals.
Messi is also leading the Golden Boot race for World Cup 2026, with five goals, one goal ahead of Mbappe and Erling Haaland. In the previous opening match, the nearly 39-year-old forward scored all three goals against Algeria.
Messi also holds two records for playing 201 matches and scoring 122 goals for Argentina. His career tally stands at 916 goals, just shy of Cristiano Ronaldo's 973 goals.
By Thanh Quy (via MD)
