Leandro Paredes slotted in between Cuti Romero and Nicolas Otamendi. In this back three, he operated as deep-lying playmaker and sweeper. Nicolas Tagliafico and Nahuel Molina stayed on the flanks, providing the team's width.

Ahead of the Roma player, four players were constantly shifting position to find space to receive the ball while Brazil had just two central midfielders (Andre and Joelinton). With Rodrigo de Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada and Alexis Mac Allister, this fantastic foursome gave Lionel Scaloni's team a whole new level of footballing prowess.

Brazil were beaten 4-1 but that may have been the least of their worries. Argentina's dominance made such an impact that the Monumental Stadium crowd barely sat down. The excitement was overwhelming and the adrenaline pumping.

Mac Allister, the Liverpool midfielder, once again showed how comfortable he is in an Argentina shirt. He demonstrates a strong connection with his teammates and technical staff, as well as showing the strong leadership needed to represent one of the most historically prestigious footballing nations. At the age of 26, Mac Allister has earned cult status with the national team after a string of excellent performances, ever since starting against Poland in the final group stage match of the 2022 World Cup.

Argentina's hammering of Brazil came on a day when La Albiceleste secured a place in the 2026 World Cup, four games before the end of the South American qualifiers. Once again, Mac Allister proved to be the beating heart of the side, whose performance rivalled that of the first half of the World Cup final in Qatar against France. The former Boca player capped off his performance with a delicate lob over goalkeeper Bento 37 minutes in, following a pinpoint pass from Enzo Fernandez.

Scaloni's men go into the tournament, which will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with an array of high-profile players, as well as a coaching set-up that always seems to choose the right strategy based on their players' current form and the opposition. While this squad of players has gotten to know each other more and more, it only seems to really hit its stride in major triumphs. As such, Mac Allister perfectly embodies an almost invincible team that has already won the Copa America twice (2021, 2024), a World Cup (2022) and a Finalissima (2022).

The Argentina sensation spoke with FIFA after their qualification was secure.

FIFA: Where does the the team's ambition come from, that hunger to win? You could see from the players' expressions that they wanted to keep pressing even after all the goals went in.

Alexis Mac Allister (AMA): I think it comes partly from the leadership. The coaching staff, our captains and the team's mindset. We're all very focussed, and we want to win, compete and go for more.

FIFA: You had a huge numerical advantage in midfield. How did you manage it?

AMA: Obviously, that was all down to the coach. We realised there was always strength in numbers in midfield, and we took advantage of that. We played some great football through the middle of the pitch, so yeah, I think it was a great game.

FIFA: Do you relish the fact you are on a team where everyone who comes in plays well?

AMA: You definitely enjoy it. Truth is, we love having players like this. At the end of the day, there's more to winning trophies or achieving success than just a team of eleven. It's a strong squad and, luckily, we have top talent not only on the pitch but off it too.

FIFA: Finally, what would it mean to you as a group to be part of Messi's sixth finals, which would set a new World Cup record? 

AMA: Look, it's always a pleasure to play with Leo, the best player in history. We would be over the moon if he could be with us. Perhaps it didn't show today, but we always miss him. He's the best player in the world, so I'm always happy to be able to play alongside him.