Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has gone against his national team with the Argentinian making a bold prediction ahead of the Finalissima and this summer's World Cup
13:06, 22 Feb 2026
Alexis Mac Allister has spoken ahead of Argentina vs Spain next month
Alexis Mac Allister has spoken ahead of Argentina vs Spain next month(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister believes Spain is currently ahead of Argentina, as anticipation builds for their upcoming Finalissima meeting and this summer's World Cup.
The Argentinian, speaking to TyC, discussed the showdown at Lusail Stadium in Qatar next month, which will see the Copa America holders face the reigning European champions.
Despite Argentina holding the world title, the 27-year-old was quick to commend Spain. Luis de la Fuente's side is fresh from European success and in impressive form, with Mac Allister seeing Spain as the strong favorite for the Finalissima and a genuine contender at the World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool LIVE: Team news, build-up, how to watch, TV channel and streamREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher told Liverpool to sign Nottingham Forest star 'better than Dominik Szoboszlai'
“Today, I see Spain above us,” said Mac Allister while weighing up the current balance of power between the two sides.
Mac Allister expanded on his view of the international landscape, rating Spain and France as the leading forces globally, while maintaining confidence in Argentina remaining among the elite.
“I think Spain and France are the two best teams, and we are there as well,” he told TyC.
Alexis Mac Allister believes Spain is above Argentina
Alexis Mac Allister believes Spain is above Argentina(Image: Getty Images)
France, led by Kylian Mbappe, remains a persistent danger on the biggest stages, while Spain has bolstered its standing following a revival under de la Fuente. Looking ahead to the Finalissima, Mac Allister expects a stern and demanding encounter.
He added: “They have very good players, they are in a very good moment, and the Finalissima will be complicated. We are confident and we will go forward."
Mac Allister is not only a pivotal presence at Anfield but also a central figure in Argentina’s plans for major tournaments. With a growing injury list and an intense run of games, Arne Slot will be hoping the midfielder returns injury-free.
Mac Allister was this week sensationally linked with interest from Manchester United, despite long-standing admiration from Real Madrid.
His father, Carlos, later played down the speculation, stressing that the midfielder’s focus is on a potential new contract at Anfield as he enters the final two years of the deal he signed after joining from Brighton for £35 million ($45 million) in 2023.
Article continues below
It seems very unlikely that Mac Allister will move to United, with the last direct transfer between the two clubs being Phil Chisnall, who joined Liverpool from Old Trafford in 1964.
Mac Allister, who has already lifted trophies in both seasons at Anfield, played a key role in last term’s Premier League triumph, making 25 appearances under Slot.
After battling fitness issues following a long-term injury, his form dipped in the first half of the campaign. Now featuring regularly in the Premier League, he will be keen to retain his midfield role, with Ryan Gravenberch pushing for a recall after sitting out last weekend’s FA Cup win over Brighton.