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.