Lionel Messi and Alexis Mac Allister “speak the same football language”, according to Roberto De Zerbi.
But the Brighton boss said he is not worried about selling his fluent World Cup-winning superstar - only about signing his replacement. The Italian admitted he was a “crazy” Argentina fan for the final - and has told Mac Allister to enjoy the celebrations back home and not to rush back to English football.
“When he feels he is missing football in his life, he will return,” he said. Mac Allister played in all six of Argentina’s wins in Qatar - and struck up a great understanding with Messi playing in a more attacking role than for Brighton.
“We are very proud of him - he was one of the best players at the World Cup,” said De Zerbi. "He is one of the best midfielders in Europe. I think Messi and Mac Allister speak the same language. Messi understands very well the quality of Alexis. And I think Messi wanted players who speak the same language. The language of football.
"If you watched the games, Messi was often looking for Alexis during the game and they passed a lot to each other. And when Alexis was returning the ball to Messi he was always giving a clean pass.”
Albion paid only £7m for Mac Allister in 2019 - and in October agreed a contract extension until 2025 with the option for an additional year to protect their prize asset now coveted around the world.
“It’s fantastic news for us,” added the Italian. “When there are other teams who want our players, we have to be proud and we have to be happy. It’s not a problem.
“When you coach such good players, the other clubs look at them. I am not worried if we sell these players. You have to be worried about replacing them with other strong players. I hope the club can grow up and next season we don’t lose many players.
"Moises Caicedo, Mac Allister, Leandro Trossard, Kaoru Mitoma are playing very, very well now. I think they are able to change level. Play in Champions League and other competitions.
"I hope we are able to grow up together with these players. To arrive to play in the Europa League. The other big teams can buy our players. But we are ready to find other players.”
Brighton, who travel to Charlton in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, have given Mac Allister a fortnight off but the Italian added: “Now Alexis needs time to recover.”
