Lionel Messi is now the World Cup's leading goalscorer after he helped Argentina to a win over Austria, with Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister barely giving the ball away
20:03, 22 Jun 2026
Lionel Messi celebrates with Alexis Mac Allister after scoring for Argentina at the World Cup.
Lionel Messi celebrates with Alexis Mac Allister after scoring for Argentina at the World Cup.(Image: Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi missed a penalty and later found the back of the net twice for Argentina as he broke the record for the highest number of World Cup goals, overtaking Miroslav Klose.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister also started for the South American side as it won for the second time in the group phase, underlining its potential for the tournament. Argentina is the current holder after beating France last time out and looks well set to go far once again.
Mac Allister barely gave the ball away during the contest, keeping things ticking in the middle of the park alongside Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez and Inter Miami's Rodrigo de Paul. He completed 62 of his 65 attempted passes.
While he didn't do anything particularly spectacular, Argentina managed the game and ran out 2-0 winners, with the second goal coming deep into second-half stoppage time.
Last term, Mac Allister struggled for form under Arne Slot. His physical levels dropped, and after starting the season with an injury, he never managed to get up to speed.
"We are not in contract talks but I’m not in a rush," Mac Allister explained in March. "That’s only a fact."
Lionel Messi in action for Argentina against Austria at the World Cup.
Lionel Messi in action for Argentina against Austria at the World Cup.(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
As it stands, no negotiations have been held with the 27-year-old regarding a new contract. However, by the time his existing Liverpool deal expires, he will be approaching 30.
"Alexis has a contract until June 2028 and, for now, we are not speaking publicly with any other club," his father, Carlos, said a few weeks ago.
"We believe the club’s fans deserve that level of respect from the player, and so far Liverpool have not negotiated with us over a contract renewal."
Real Madrid has been among the clubs touted as a possible destination for Mac Allister. But once again, his father spoke out ahead of Argentina's first game this summer.
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"Alexis is in excellent condition to play in the World Cup," Mac Allister senior said. "Before the World Cup, it is impossible to discuss or analyze the player’s future."
He isn't the only Liverpool midfielder to have been linked with an exit, with interest in Curtis Jones from Inter Milan genuine after it was keen back in the winter window too.
Liverpool.com says: Mac Allister is top-class at his best, but he wasn't playing well for months last year. It will be interesting to see if Andoni Iraola can get more out of him, but energy in the middle of the pitch is vital.