Alexis Mac Allister has shared the pitch with some of the greatest footballers of his generation, naming the single best player he played against is no small task.
The 26-year-old has long been accustomed to sharing the pitch alongside very best. His partnership with Lionel Messi for Argentina has yielded extraordinary results — a FIFA World Cup victory in 2022, a successful Copa America title defence in 2024, and a record of 26 wins out of 29 appearances together. Messi’s brilliance on the ball, vision, and leadership are qualities that many players only dream of experiencing firsthand.
On the side of the pitch, Mac Allister has also faced countless world-class talents during his career, both in England and on the international stage, including superstars Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
The midfielders’s journey in England began with Brighton & Hove Albion, where his ability to dictate the tempo and make decisive plays quickly caught the eye. He faced fierce competitors week in, week out, including some of the Premier League’s most feared attackers.
But when asked to reflect on the opponent who tested him like no other, his answer was both surprising and a glimpse into the mindset of a player who thrives under pressure.
Speaking in a rapid-fire interview with GOAL, Mac Allister answered without hesitation when asked to name the best player he has played against.
“Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Mac Allister and Ronaldo shared the pitch as opponents three times in the Premier League during the Portuguese forward’s second stint at Manchester United, with the Argentine then playing for Brighton. Across those three encounters, Mac Allister and the Seagull’s came out on top, winning two against Ronaldo and Manchester United, who have the lone victory.
Since joining Liverpool in the summer of 2023, Mac Allister has continued to flourish. Last season his contributions helping the Reds claim the Premier League title, scoring seven goals and providing six assists across 49 appearances.
His performances have highlighted not just his skill on the ball, but his capacity to rise to big occasions and influence matches at the highest level. Yet, despite these accomplishments, one type of challenge has left an indelible mark on him when he faced someone whose presence on the pitch could shift the balance of a game entirely.
Both Messi and Ronaldo have redefined modern football since bursting onto the scene nearly two decades ago, setting standards for excellence that continue to influence young players worldwide.
For Mac Allister, having the opportunity to face one and play alongside the other is a rare privilege — a dual perspective few players ever experience.
