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| Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Algeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. |
Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has declared that the world champions are fully committed to running the hard yards for Lionel Messi, as the talismanic captain targets the all-time World Cup scoring record.
Mac Allister, alongside midfield partners Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernández, has been central to the energetic, disciplined style that provides defensive cover and frees Messi from demanding off-the-ball duties.
The Liverpool midfielder emphasized that the squad's primary responsibility is to read Messi's movements, allowing the veteran playmaker to conserve his energy for decisive attacking moments.
"If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all," Mac Allister said. "He may not have the legs of yesteryear and he now plays more in fits and starts, but the rest of the Argentina side are more than happy to do the dirty work and let him turn it on when he wants."
Chasing History
Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, demonstrated his enduring quality with a masterclass hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria. The treble drew him level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.
Four years after inspiring his country to World Cup glory in Qatar, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star remains the focal point of the Albiceleste's campaign.
Argentina next face Austria in their second group match at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The climate-controlled venue could provide the perfect stage for Messi to eclipse Klose and claim the tournament scoring record outright.