Opinion
Lionel Messi ordered Argentina squad to stop calling Alexis Mac Allister ‘ginger
ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER has revealed Lionel Messi informed their Argentina team-mates to cease poking enjoyable at his crimson hair.
The Brighton midfielder was known as ginger by his La Albiceleste team-mates following his call-up to the squad in the summertime of 2019.
Mac Allister – the son of former Boca Juniors star Carlos – took exception to the nickname, a lot so Messi demanded the staff cease utilizing it.
He informed The Athletic: “I educated with him after I was within the Argentinian squad twice, however I didn’t play with him.
“It was improbable, the identical as within the matches he trains. It’s one thing you can’t imagine.
“I bear in mind everybody known as me ‘Colo’, which is ginger in Argentina.
“I don’t prefer it a lot and he informed the team-mates that.
“He stated, ‘He doesn’t wish to be known as Colo, so don’t name him that!’”
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Mac Allister, 23, was known as as much as the Argentina squad in August 2019 and made his debut towards Chile the next month.
However the Seagulls star was extra nervous about assembly seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi than debuting for his nation.
He stated of his first assembly with the PSG ace: “I used to be crimson, fully crimson.
“I didn’t need even to say whats up. I used to be actually nervous even to satisfy among the best gamers on the planet, however it was improbable, after all.
“It’s one thing I’m not going to overlook. It was magic when my dad performed with Maradona and I might prepare with Lionel Messi.
“We’re very happy with it.”
Mac Allister has but to earn a recall to the Argentina squad and presently has two appearances for his nation to his identify.
The midfielder has made 20 appearances for Brighton in all competitions this season, scoring 4 targets and offering 4 assists for Graham Potter’s aspect.
Mac Allister and his Brighton team-mates shall be again in motion every week on Saturday, travelling to north London to tackle Tottenham.
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