Argentina aims to reduce dependence on Messi, says Mac Allister

Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has revealed the World Champions’ determination to be independent of Lionel Messi’s influence on the pitch.

“We always focus a lot on the group and the team. We know that when Leo is not there we have to become even stronger because we don’t have that player who, when things go wrong, can save us,” Mac Allister told ESPN.

“We always focus a lot on the group and the team. We know that when Leo is not there we have to become even stronger because we don’t have that player who, when things go wrong, can save us.

“We know that when Leo is there, our opponents are a little more afraid, it’s normal. We also have players who play in big clubs in Europe and when they see the Argentine national team, they all know that it won’t be an easy match for them and that’s what we want.

“We want to do our best so that the rival team has a difficult day after meeting us.”

Mac Allister, Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez were all on target as Argentina defeated Costa Rica 3-1 in a friendly earlier on Wednesday.