Alexis Mac Allister talked about the Argentina national team, the 2022 World Cup and Lionel Messi.

Mac Allister has consistently been part of the Argentina national team since the start of the year. The Argentine has been playing well for Brighton and could make the Argentina team for the World Cup.

While not an automatic starter with the Argentina national team, the 23 year old has taken part in Argentina’s last three games. Speaking in an interview Star+, here is what he had to say:

“Scaloni has a very good relationship with the group. I value that he always tells me the truth. One time, he told me that he saw me in the trainings and that I wasn’t going to play. I felt yes but he told me the truth and I valued that a lot.

“They received me very well in the national team, my team mates as much as the coaching staff. Playing with the national team is another world. You feel it when you put on the shirt, when you enter the stadium. You are representing a country, it’s the maximum. It’s what we have dreamed of our entire lives.”

In regards to the World Cup:

“It’s the highest objective we have, clearly we are thinking about Qatar. We have to think about what is the most important thing and that is to play well with your team, to be well physically.

“Maybe before the qualifiers, they didn’t see us as candidates. But after the qualifiers and the Copa America, which was very important, they started to take into account that Argentina are on the right track and today we are positioned in another place.

“Then there is the other reality, which is ours. And you have to keep your feet on the ground, that there are other teams that are ahead of us. We have to be calm and to do things well. But I believe that the team is on the right track.”

He also spoke about Lionel Messi:

“At first when I greeted Leo… my hands were shaking. I didn’t know whetehr to greet him or not. I’m a very shy guy. But in the end, although he is the best in the world, he is still a very calm person. Quiet, who hands out. With all the respect as always, but he feels like just another one.”

About playing for Brighton:

“It is by far the best league in the world. At first, I was amazed to see so many great players, but you get used to it. More or less, you feel up to the task. We have been getting good results at important pitches.”

Lautaro Martínez spoke about the 2022 World Cup, the Argentina national team and not getting selected for the last World Cup.

Martínez was not picked for the last World Cup in Russia. Despite being in great form, he was left out of the final team. Speaking in an interview with Star+, here is what he had to say:

“It hurt me not going to the World Cup in Russia because of the way the coach spoke to me. But I respect his decision and I always try to support those that are picked. It was a difficult period because it was a big dream that I had.”

Regarding Lionel Scaloni:

“I am very thankful for him because he always believed in me. The national team has great players, great strikers and every day is an exam. I know that the work at my club is what gets me picked. After that, in the little time that we have, we try to do well, concentrates, to do what the coach wants. He supported me when I didn’t score, we spoke a lot, he respects me and he backed me.”

In regards to Qatar and the 2022 World Cup:

“The upcoming World Cup is a difficult feeling to explain. We hope to arrive as well as possible. We talked about tickets and the number of Argentines that are going. In the final in London, it seemed as if we were playing in Argentina. That support, that madness is incredible.”

About the Argentina national team:

“I always play thinking about the Argentina national team. I prepare for everything. It’s a wheel that is turning and I psych myself up to where I have to give my best.”

On the national anthem:

“I feel proud. When we play in the qualifiers, friendly games, there are a lot of people. It’s incredible. The Argentine passion, the way they sing… The feelings are difficult to explain. I get emotional. On the inside, I am crying. It’s strong, a football player has a lot of adrenaline. Or your mind goes blank and you think you are playing a video game.”

Gio Simeone has commented on not being included in the Argentina national team.

Simeone ended his last campaign with 17 goals in 36 games with Verona. Now with Napoli, the Argentine has three goals in eight games, with all of his appearaces being as a substiute.

The 27 year old was last called up to the Argentina national team in 2020 and last played in 2018 where he had an assist. Speaking in an interview with La Nación, the Argentine had this to say:

“Many times I ask myself what am I missing and how do I get Scaloni to see me.”

“The dream of being in the list is still there. There are a lot of good players and the group is very strong. It becomes difficult to enter a place where everything is going well. All I have to do is be ready to offer what I can.

“I came to ask myself if I will be at the level to be able to compete and I wonder what I have to improve on to be able to belong. Maybe it’s just being patient and to wait for my time. That’s why I will always be prepared.

“Every Sunday I count on the possibility of being able to show Scaloni that I want to be there. The national team is a unique place and if I’m not there now, tomorrow I will be back to try and convince everyone.”

Cristian Cuti Romero spoke about the Argentina national team at the World Cup and about Lionel Messi.

Cuti Romero has been a revelation for the Argentina national team. He made his debut just before the 2021 Copa America and has been an automatic starter since his first game.

Now with the Argentina national team and with Tottenham Hotspur, Cuti Romero spoke to Star+ about the Argentina national team and the World Cup. Here is what he had to say:

“Being a starter and seeing the euphoria from everyone is crazy. I enjoy it a lot and it’s what I will remember when I retire. Five years ago, I was in Cordoba and at one point I had a bad time and I even thought about quitting football.

“I don’t cry during the anthem because I don’t want to appear ridiculous, but I get goosebumps. I am the newest and from the time I got here, they have received me in an incredible way.”

In regards to the World Cup:

“It’s the most important objective. We have created a great dream, but we have to keep our feet on the ground and know that there are many strong teams. We are doing well as a group, the internal competition is healthy.”

Romero also spoke about Lionel Messi:

“He is a simple, humble guy who wins everything and starts to drink mate with you without even knowing you. He made me adapt quickly to the group. The day I retire, I will say that I was able to play with the best in the world, the best in history. His way of being makes him bigger.”