Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister played the full game as Argentina beat Algeria at World Cup 2026
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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Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister has received harsh criticism from the Argentinian press for his contribution in his country's 3-0 victory over Algeria. Lionel Messi predictably dominated the headlines after the 38-year-old netted a magnificent hat-trick in the World Cup group stage fixture to secure Argentina a commanding win.
Mac Allister, though, was accused of delivering a sluggish and lightweight display. The midfielder has endured a difficult season at Liverpool, and his performances have raised questions about his long-term prospects at Anfield.
The 27-year-old's deal runs until the summer of 2028, meaning a verdict on his future will be required before long. The former Brighton player has been linked with Real Madrid and even Manchester United, yet Mac Allister's father, Carlos, who also acts as his son's representative, has rejected any speculation of a departure for the time being.
Mac Allister featured for the entire 90 minutes for the reigning world champions in the Kansas City-based encounter during the early hours of Wednesday morning UK time. Here, we examine what the Argentinian press have made of the Reds star's showing.
TyC Sports
The publication awarded Mac Allister a rating of 5 out of 10, criticising his influence 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 generous in its assessment of the midfielder, though the outlet still 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.
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"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 #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 in action against Algeria(Image: Francois Nel/Getty Images)
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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."