Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has underlined the team's determination to help Lionel Messi make the biggest possible impact at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that every player is willing to sacrifice for the captain's success.

Mac Allister, who has been a key figure in Argentina's midfield alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernández, said the squad understands the importance of allowing Messi to focus his energy on decisive moments in attack.

The Liverpool star explained that the team's tactical approach is built around supporting the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, particularly as he enters the latter stages of his illustrious career.

According to Mac Allister, Argentina's players are more than willing to take on the demanding defensive responsibilities required to free Messi from excessive off-the-ball work.

“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.”

The comments came after Messi produced another memorable performance, scoring a hat-trick in Argentina's convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening match of the tournament.

The three goals not only secured all three points for the reigning world champions but also saw Messi equal the World Cup scoring record of 16 goals held by former Germany striker Miroslav Klose.

At 38 years old and set to turn 39 on Wednesday, Messi continues to defy expectations with performances that remind football fans of his enduring brilliance.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star played a crucial role in Argentina's World Cup triumph four years ago and remains central to the nation's hopes of retaining the trophy.

Argentina's midfield trio of Mac Allister, De Paul, and Fernández has been widely praised for providing the balance and intensity that allows Messi greater freedom in attacking areas.

Their ability to recover possession, press opponents, and maintain control in midfield has enabled the captain to conserve energy and focus on creating and finishing chances.

The strategy appears to be paying dividends as Argentina seek another successful World Cup campaign under coach Lionel Scaloni.

Messi's latest hat-trick has also intensified anticipation ahead of Argentina's next Group J encounter against Austria.

The match, scheduled to take place in Dallas, presents another opportunity for the Argentine legend to move ahead of Klose and become the outright leading goalscorer in World Cup history.

With the squad firmly united behind their captain, Argentina will be hoping that Messi can continue to inspire the team as they pursue back-to-back World Cup titles.

For Mac Allister and his teammates, the objective is clear: provide the platform for Messi to do what he has done throughout his career — decide matches on the biggest stage.