Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister played the full 90 minutes as Argentina beat Algeria at World Cup 2026
Alexis Mac Allister #20 of Argentina passes the ball under pressure from Ibrahim Maza #22 and Amine Gouiri #9 of Algeria during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister #20 of Argentina passes the ball under pressure from Ibrahim Maza #22 and Amine Gouiri #9 of Algeria during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
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Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister has been given a rough ride by the Argentinian press for his role in his country's 3-0 win over Algeria. Lionel Messi naturally stole the headlines after the 38-year-old scored a stunning hat-trick in the World Cup group stage game to give Argentina a comprehensive victory.
Mac Allister, however, was accused of a sluggish and lightweight performance. The midfielder struggled for Liverpool this season and his performances have even cast doubts over his long-term future at Anfield.
The 27-year-old's contract expires in the summer of 2028, meaning a decision over his future will need to be made soon. The former Brighton star has been linked with Real Madrid and even Manchester United, yet Mac Allister's dad, Carlos, who also serves as his son's agent, has dismissed any talk of a move away for now.
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Mac Allister played for the full 90 minutes for the reigning world champions in the Kansas City-based clash on early Wednesday morning UK time. Here, we take a look at what the Argentinian press have had to say about the Reds star's performance.
TyC Sports
The outlet gave Mac Allister a rating of 5 out of 10, criticising his impact on proceedings. They said: "He looked somewhat awkward and struggled to find his rhythm alongside Enzo [Fernandez] at times.
"As the game progressed, he settled down a bit, though he never managed to be dominant, either in winning back possession or in orchestrating attacks."
Ole
Ole was more complimentary of the midfielder, although the outlet settled on a 6 out of 10 rating. Its report said: "He unleashed a low, driven shot from outside the box, which goalkeeper Zidane parried into the path of Messi for the 2-0.
"He and Enzo combined perfectly in the centre circle, tackled fiercely, and arrived in the box to finish off every attack, like the one he headed over the crossbar."
Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina) and Amine Ferid Ghouiri (Algeria) battle for the ball during Group J FIFA World Cup 2026, Argentina and Algeria, Kansas Stadium, Kansas, United States on June 16 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister struggled to impose himself against Algeria(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto)
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La Nacion
The publication claimed that goalscoring hero Messi was supported by “a solid second half from Alexis Mac Allister” and gave the Liverpool man a 6 out of 10. His average fan score was 6.57.
They added: "Playing as a central midfielder, his contribution wasn’t so much about winning back possessions and marking. In the first half, a couple of Algerian dribblers caused him problems.
"When he found his rhythm, he made the difference: a header in the box, a shot on Messi’s second goal, and an assist to Leo on the only chance Zidane saved."
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