Alexis Mac Alistair claims that Lionel Messi is better than Cristiano Ronaldo, revealing the legendary coaching plan of Argentine

The legendary forward has been competing at the highest level of a beautiful game for 20 years, with Mac Allister’s compatriots winning eight Baron dresses and Ronaldo bringing home five.

Many fans and critics believe that Messi has proven himself the greatest ever by bringing Argentina to glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister played a key role in his penalty-seat-out victory over France three years ago, but believes Messi has already proven himself a better player than his Portuguese rival.

“Maybe it’s because I’m Argentinian.

“I really admire Cristiano Ronaldo, but for me, Messi is the best and no one like him.

“I think it’s sad for everyone to lose the best player in the world (when Messi retires).

“He gave a lot to the sport. I’m sure people will miss him. He gave it all.

“It’s a joy to play with him. He’s the best player I’ve ever seen and I don’t think it will change.

“We are so happy that we won the World Cup together, and that’s not easy.

“I really respect him on and off the pitch.”

Messi is undoubtedly the Twilight of his career, bringing his deals on MLS along with Intermiami.

However, Mac Allister believes his Argentine teammate will resist the urge to move to coaching after retirement.

“He doesn’t think he’ll be involved in anything else after retirement,” he said.

“I think what I’ve heard is that he doesn’t plan (goes into coaching).

The fight for the Swedish striker’s signature spans most of the summer transfer window, and Mac Allister admits he’s bored with the story as even the Liverpool dressing room was dragged down to deadline day.

“It was a big deal at first,” he said.

“It was too long and after a bit of fatigue, we all know that he is a player.

“I think he’s going to be really important and I’m really happy to have him here.

“The other clubs (Newcastle) may not be happy, but that’s because of the way football works and in the end Liverpool paid quite a bit.

“It’s good for both clubs. It’s good for him because it’s what he wanted and we know he’s there so we’re so happy to have him.

The Reds can rely on still stubborn winger Mohamed Sarah, and Mac Alistair says he learned from Egyptian icons every day.

“Everything he does is very special,” he added. “That’s why he’s always in this form, both physically and mentally.

“There are a few things he doesn’t want to tell us (he does). He hides them, but you can see how he works on the pitch, especially in the gym. He’s there every day and takes care of his body.

“These little details make a difference, so we are so happy to have him and I learn from him every day.

“One day, I want to reach his level in terms of how he cared for his body.”