Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister revealed how Lionel Messi played a key role in inspiring Argentina‘s remarkable recovery during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite a shocking opening loss to Saudi Arabia by 2-1, the team managed a stunning turnaround under coach Lionel Scaloni, ultimately securing their third World Cup title.
Mac Allister acknowledged the heavy pressure the squad faced from media criticism after their defeat, but emphasized that Messi’s leadership was vital in restoring the team’s confidence. Messi’s call to the fans to maintain faith motivated the players and supporters alike as they pushed forward in the tournament.
Team Resilience Fueled by Messi’s Leadership
Mac Allister described the emotional and mental challenge following the initial setback and how Messi’s influence helped the team endure intense scrutiny. He stated,
“Saudi Arabia suffered for 90 minutes, and they shocked the world. Then, it was our turn to suffer. Everyone was already destroying us in the media. I think we could all feel the pressure, but thankfully we had Leo to speak up. He told the fans back home that they had to keep believing, because we weren’t going to let the country down. Simple words. But when it’s Leo who says it, you truly believe it.”
He further highlighted Argentina’s collective mental strength, saying,
“Thankfully, as Argentines, we know how to suffer. It’s in our DNA. In football, there’s 90 minutes for a reason. If you play perfectly for 80 minutes, but you don’t know how to suffer for the last 10, then you are never going to be a champion. As a country, I think that’s our secret. Maybe we even enjoy the madness a little bit, no?”
Messi’s Outstanding Performance Throughout the Tournament
Following the early disappointment, Lionel Messi delivered an extraordinary World Cup campaign. He was instrumental in guiding Argentina to victory after a 36-year wait for the trophy. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored seven goals, contributed three assists, and finished as the tournament’s second-highest scorer.
In addition, Messi became the first player in history to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball twice, having previously claimed the award in 2014. His leadership and skill were undeniably central to Argentina’s success on football’s biggest stage.
Ex-Manchester City Defender Recounts Duel with Messi
Joleon Lescott, former defender for Manchester City, shared his surprising experience of facing Lionel Messi in the UEFA Champions League during the 2013/14 season when City played Barcelona. Lescott compared Messi’s style to that of City legend David Silva but emphasized Messi’s exceptional strength despite his smaller stature.
On the Beast Mode On podcast, Lescott described Messi’s ability to perceive and understand the game, saying,
“He was David Silva on steroids. He must see the game so slow and so clear. There is this time when my confidence was high [and] I’m defending one vs one, I just know [what to do next]. He must see the game like that. He must see the whole, every picture of everyone. He just must be that. It just must be so clear.”
Lescott admitted his initial plan to use physical strength against Messi was ineffective as Messi proved to be surprisingly robust himself, adding,
“I’ve come on. I’m thinking he’s better than me at everything, [but] he’s not stronger than me. ‘I’m hitting him’. I hit him, I’m on his back, he went, my boof [indicating slight nudge], I’m like ‘Oh’. He’s literally holding me on his back. I think ‘Jesus, you’re strong as well?’ You’ve got all this stuff. He’s Thanos!”
Impact of Messi’s Leadership and What It Means for Argentina
Lionel Messi’s role in inspiring Argentina from their unexpected early defeat to World Cup champions demonstrates his influence beyond individual talent. His ability to lead by example and motivate a historic footballing nation helped transform pressure into ultimate triumph. The team’s blend of resilience, mental fortitude, and Messi’s unparalleled skill culminated in a momentous victory with wide-reaching significance.
Argentina’s World Cup win reasserts their status as a football powerhouse and highlights the importance of leadership in overcoming adversity. As the football world reflects on Messi’s legacy, his impact will be remembered not only for his exquisite play but also for inspiring one of the sport’s most dramatic turnarounds.