[ad_1]
The mystery that surrounds Lionel Messiviral locker room talk before Argentina 2026 FIFA World Cup it has finally been settled, with Alexis Mac Allister’s father dismissing speculation of an internal crisis and insisting the captain’s words were taken completely out of context.Carlos Mac Allister revealed that even he briefly wondered if something had gone wrong in the Argentina camp after watching footage of Messi repeatedly telling his team-mates to “forget everything” ahead of the final against Spain. The footage quickly spread on social media, fueling theories that the Argentine team was dealing with tensions behind the scenes before suffering a 0-1 extra-time defeat in New Jersey.However, according to Carlos, there was nothing sinister about Messi’s message.READ ALSO: Was Argentina under more pressure than usual? Messi’s tunnel cheer speaks to the theories of fuel lovers – WATCH
‘I asked Alexis what happened’
According to a report by La Nación, Carlos admitted that the video confused him at first.“I texted Alexis asking him: What happened in the locker room? Did something happen? If I started wondering, then imagine what other people are thinking,” he said.The speculation stemmed from footage released by ESPN showing Messi encouraging his teammates to stay calm ahead of the tournament’s biggest game.“Come on guys, stay calm. The most important thing is that you stay calm,” Messi said.The Argentina captain then added a line that sparked widespread debate.“Let’s forget everything. Let’s just play. Let’s focus on the game, guys,” added Messi.Those words fueled countless theories on the Internet, with many fans interpreting them as proof that something happened behind closed doors before the game started.According to Carlos Mac Allister, the reality was far less dramatic.
Messi’s message was purely tactical
Carlos said his son immediately dismissed any suggestion of a locker room break.Instead, Alexis explained that Messi was simply reminding the players to focus on their football and stick to Argentina’s tactical plan.“He told me they were talking about going out to play in a football sense, keeping the ball on the ground, getting the ball moving, making triangles, not just throwing it forward. That’s what they were thinking,” Carlos said.He added that the short clip circulating online lacked surrounding context, making it easy for people to draw incorrect conclusions.“Since then, in the past few days, many doubts have arisen because of that post that has been circulating, and many people have approached me about it,” he added further.Carlos insisted that there are no arguments, divisions in the dressing room and no internal crises before the final.
Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister (20) reacts after Spain’s Ferran Torres scores a goal. (AP Photo)
Scaloni also dismisses the speculation
The rumors gained further momentum after reports claimed Messi and head coach Lionel Scaloni were at odds over Argentina’s tactical approach.Scaloni, however, rejected those suggestions after the game.“I don’t look at social media. I don’t know anything. I have no idea what you’re talking about,” said the Argentina coach.When questioned further, he added, “I can’t believe what you’re asking me. We’re going in a completely different direction, guys.”Carlos also dismissed claims that anything other than Spain’s performance decided the World Cup final.According to him, every Argentinian player gave his all, but Spain simply proved to be the better team that night.The clarification comes after days of intense speculation sparked by Messi’s emotional pre-match and half-time speeches, with the captain repeatedly encouraging his teammates to keep calm, show personality and focus only on football.While the viral footage has fueled endless theories on social media, Carlos Mac Allister’s account offers the clearest explanation yet.
[ad_2]
Source link