Argentina stand ninety minutes away from history, and Liverpool’s own Alexis Mac Allister has captured the emotion of the occasion with a heartfelt note to supporters.
The holders walk out at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday to face Spain, kicking off at 15:00 local time in front of a crowd expected to top 80,000.
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Victory would hand Lionel Scaloni’s side a fourth World Cup crown, following the triumphs of 1978, 1986 and the unforgettable success over France in Qatar three and a half years ago.
Few in the current squad understand that journey better than the man who has quietly become the beating heart of Argentina’s engine room.
Mac Allister, who recalled how it was to win the World Cup against France, started the 2022 final in Lusail, a display that earned him his move to Liverpool, and he has been every bit as influential this summer.
He scored the opener in the quarter final win over Switzerland, the quickest Argentina goal of the tournament, then played every minute of the dramatic 2-1 comeback against England in the last four, twice striking the woodwork before Lautaro Martinez settled matters late on.
On the eve of the biggest match of his international career, Mac Allister turned to Instagram to share a message that stirred the Argentine faithful.
“We reached the last day of this World Cup, like 4 years ago.”
”Privileged and proud to belong to this family.”
”Tomorrow awaits us another end of the world and we will give our lives to celebrate together once again.”
”Let’s go Argentina.”
The words echoed a near identical post the Liverpool number ten shared before the final in Qatar, a detail that was not lost on those who have followed his rise.
Then a Brighton player stepping onto the grandest stage, he is now a Premier League champion and a fixture in one of the finest midfields in world football.
Argentina arrive in New Jersey riding a fourteen match winning run, yet Spain represent a formidable obstacle.
Luis de la Fuente’s European champions have conceded only once across the entire tournament and dismantled France in their own semi final.
The sides have met just once before at a World Cup, back in 1966, when Argentina prevailed 2-1.
For Mac Allister, who endured a testing club campaign last season, this tournament has offered a stage to rediscover his very best.
Now, with Lionel Messi chasing a fabled second title and a nation holding its breath, the 27 year old and his teammates stand on the brink of writing another glorious chapter.