Mac Allister: Why Messi is 'very difficult to learn from' and 'there won't be another'

In the world of football, Lionel Messi’s brilliance is universally acknowledged. But according to his Argentina teammate Alexis Mac Allister, trying to learn from the maestro is a near-impossible task. In a recent interview, the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder explained why Messi’s genius is so singular—and why there will never be another player quite like him.

The problem with learning from a genius

Mac Allister, who lifted the World Cup alongside Messi in Qatar in 2022, opened up about the unique challenge of trying to absorb lessons from the GOAT. 'He is very difficult to learn from because he does things that no one else can,' Mac Allister said. The Argentine midfielder elaborated that Messi’s decisions on the pitch come from an instinct honed over two decades at the very top. 'You can watch him in training and matches, but trying to replicate what he does is almost impossible.'

For a young player or even a seasoned professional, Messi’s methods are not a blueprint you can follow—they are a phenomenon you can only admire. Mac Allister’s honesty sheds light on how Messi’s teammates view his otherworldly talent: as something to appreciate, not imitate.

'There won't be another'

Mac Allister didn’t stop there. He made a bold but widely-held prediction: 'There won’t be another player like him.' The statement reflects the belief that Messi’s combination of vision, dribbling, finishing, and playmaking is a once-in-a-lifetime package. While football is full of talented players, Mac Allister insists that Messi’s level is unreachable. 'We have to enjoy him while he is still playing,' he added.

This sentiment echoes around the globe. From the Nou Camp to the Parc des Princes and now to Inter Miami, Messi has left an indelible mark. Mac Allister’s comments from inside the Argentina camp carry extra weight—he has seen Messi up close in the most high-pressure environments, including World Cup knockout stages.

What it means for the future

For Argentina, learning from Messi has been a privilege, but Mac Allister’s words also hint at a post-Messi challenge. How do you replace the irreplaceable? The answer, according to Mac Allister, is that you don’t. The next generation will have to forge its own identity, inspired by Messi but not shackled by the impossible task of replicating him.

This doesn’t mean Argentine football is doomed after Messi retires—far from it. Talents like Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and Mac Allister himself are proof that the future is bright. But they will be the first to admit that Messi is a class apart. As Mac Allister put it, the best way to honor Messi is to enjoy his magic while it lasts and then move forward, knowing that football will never see another like him.