Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has delivered an emotional message to fans – and a pointed response to those mocking his team – after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.
In a lengthy post on Instagram, the Liverpool player acknowledged the deep pain of losing a final his team felt they were on the brink of winning, but insisted that no result could erase what Argentina experienced together during the tournament.
“We were so close… and that is why the pain feels doubled,” he wrote. “But no one will ever be able to take away what we lived through in this competition; what you made us feel was not normal. We suffered and faced difficulties, but we overcame them together. Please let’s never forget this: together we are stronger than anyone.”
Memories ‘etched forever’ despite defeat
Mac Allister said the campaign, though ending in heartbreak, had left indelible memories that would stay with him just as vividly as Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022.
“Just as I will never forget that day in 2022 when we walked, cried and celebrated our World Cup medals with our people in the streets of Buenos Aires, this tournament has also left us with two unforgettable scenes, which reflect the people’s bond with this team and heal the wounds of every Argentine,” he said.
The first, he explained, came immediately after the final whistle, when Argentina’s players received their runners-up medals.
“It was when the Argentine fans in the stands exploded in crazy celebrations as soon as we collected our second-place medals, with the presence of families, friends and supporters making any other celebration seem pale next to their efforts,” he wrote.
‘You’re all truly crazy – and we love it’
The second defining image for Mac Allister was the team’s return home to Buenos Aires, where they were greeted by huge crowds despite miserable weather.
“The second scene was the reception in Buenos Aires,” he continued. “Despite the rain and the cold, they received us with a love for their country and for this team that nothing can diminish. Forgive me for this expression, but you’re all truly crazy, and we love that!”
Mac Allister urged supporters to allow themselves to grieve the loss, but not to remain stuck in disappointment.
“Let’s cry, because we are Argentine and we always want to win,” he said. “But after the crying, let’s get up, unite and move forward, because this is not the end. My mother reminded me these days of a popular saying: ‘If there is a chance for revenge, do not be afraid.’”
Message to critics: ‘You make us prouder’
The former Brighton midfielder ended his message by thanking not only Argentina’s loyal followers but also those from abroad who had mocked the team’s defeat.
“My eternal gratitude to our families and friends and to the anonymous soldiers in this team, and to everyone who stands by us in good times and bad,” he wrote. “Thank you to every Argentine for every message of love and support. And I also thank those who sent us from other countries messages of mockery or gloating in our pain; from where you don’t realise, you make us feel prouder every day that we are Argentine.”
