Alexis Mac Allister's father cleared the air regarding Lionel Messi's conversation with his teammates before their 2026 FIFA World Cup final vs Spain. Argentina fell 0-1 and failed to defend their title. Meanwhile, Messi's words in the Argentine dressing room sparked controversy, as many felt they proved an internal issue.
Lionel Messi and Argentina lost to Spain in the World Cup final. (Getty Images via AFP)
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In a viral video clip, Messi can be seen addressing his teammates, urging them to remain calm before the match.
"Come on, lads, stay calm. The most important thing is that you stay calm," he said.
"Let's forget everything. Let's just play. Let's focus on the match, lads."
Speaking to La Nacion, Mac Allister's father said, "I sent a message to Alexis asking him: what happened in the dressing room? Did something happen? If I had started to wonder, then imagine what others thought."
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Mac Allister told his father there was no problem in the dressing room, and the conversation focused on approaching the match tactically.
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Mac Allister told his father there was no problem in the dressing room, and the conversation focused on approaching the match tactically.
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"He told me they talked about going out to play in the footballing sense, to keep it on the ground, keep the ball moving, build triangles, and not just lump it forward. That’s what they were referring to. Since then, a lot of doubt has come up over these past few days because of that post that went around, and a lot of people have reached out to me about it," he said.
Meanwhile, there were reports that Scaloni and Messi disagreed with Argentina's tactics after Spain and had an argument.
But after the match, Scaloni dismissed such suggestions. "I don’t look at social media. I don’t know anything. I have no idea what you’re talking about," he said.
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When pressed further, he said, "I can’t believe what you’re asking me. We’re going in a completely different direction, guys."
"The important thing is that the guys have given their all, they’ve shown character with this jersey, and we should focus on that. Hopefully, tomorrow, when a player has to come to the national team, it won’t matter. Because it’s a sign," he added.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
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Home/Sports/Football/Alexis Mac Allister's father reveals truth behind Lionel Messi's controversial World Cup final team talk
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