Alexis Mac Allister tells Argentina fans ‘we are stronger together’ after World Cup heartbreak

Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has urged his country to “cry, get up and move forward together” after the national team’s painful World Cup final defeat by Spain, insisting the experience has only deepened his pride in being Argentinian.

In an emotional and lengthy message posted on Instagram, the Liverpool player thanked supporters for their unwavering backing, reflected on the anguish of losing a final they felt “so close” to winning, and delivered a pointed response to those mocking Argentina’s pain.

Mac Allister was among several Argentina players who turned to social media in the days after the defeat, using the platforms to process their emotions and reconnect with fans at home.

‘We were so close – that’s why it hurts twice as much’

The 25-year-old opened his message by laying bare the squad’s sense of devastation following the loss to Spain.

“We were so close… and that’s why the pain seems doubled,” he wrote. “But no one will be able to strip from us what we experienced during this tournament; what you made us feel was not something ordinary. We suffered and faced difficulties, but we overcame them together. Please let us never forget this: we are together stronger than anyone.”

Mac Allister stressed that the memories forged with the national team – both in victory and in defeat – will stay with him “forever” and continue to define his relationship with the Argentina shirt.

He drew a direct line between the current campaign and Argentina’s triumph in Qatar two years earlier, when Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup after a dramatic final against France.

Echoes of 2022 – and two images that ‘heal the wounds’

“Just as I will never forget that day in 2022 when we walked, cried and celebrated the World Cup medals with our people in the streets of Buenos Aires, this tournament has also left us with two indelible scenes,” he said.

According to Mac Allister, those moments capture the unique bond between the national side and its supporters – and help “heal the wounds of every Argentinian”.

The first came inside the stadium, immediately after Argentina had received their runners-up medals.

“It was when the Argentine fans in the stands erupted in wild celebrations as soon as we received the second-place medals, where the presence of families, friends and supporters made any other celebration seem pale by their efforts,” he explained.

The second scene, he said, unfolded back in the capital.

‘You’re all crazy – and we love it’

Describing the team’s return to Buenos Aires, Mac Allister highlighted the extraordinary welcome the squad received despite bleak weather conditions.

“The second scene was the reception in Buenos Aires,” he added. “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 are all truly crazy, and we love that!”

The midfielder used the message to call on Argentinians to allow themselves to grieve the defeat – but not to stay stuck in it.

“Let’s cry, because we are Argentinians and we always want to win,” he wrote. “But after 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).”

Thanks to supporters – and a sharp reply to mockery

Mac Allister closed by expressing “eternal gratitude” to those who have stood by the national team throughout the tournament, while also addressing rival fans who seized on Argentina’s disappointment.

“My eternal gratitude to our families and friends and to the unknown soldiers in this team, and to everyone who stands by us in good times and bad,” he concluded. “Thank you to every Argentinian 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; without you realising it, you make us feel more proud every day that we are Argentinians.”

His words reflect a broader mood within Argentina’s camp: sorrow at a major opportunity missed, but a fierce determination to regroup – and a conviction that the bond between team and nation remains unbreakable.