Lionel Messi took the headlines from Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria, while Alexis Mac Allister‘s performance made Liverpool fans ponder if he should play a similar role for his club.
There are no prizes for guessing the player of the match. Two days prior to his 39th birthday, Messi again made the difference as he scored twice against Austria.
As close as it may seem to a one-man show, there are 10 others required to help Messi play to his best.
Mac Allister wasn’t a standout for Lionel Scaloni’s side on Monday evening, but he did play with a quiet confidence that ensured his team kept control.
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his side's 2nd goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Austria in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessica Tobias)
Starting in a midfield two, the 27-year-old would frequently drop deep to receive the ball and keep play moving.
Only Enzo Fernandez and Lisandro Martinez had more touches for Argentina, with just the former (10) playing more passes into the final third than Mac Allister (9).
FotMob also tells us that Liverpool’s No. 10 completed 62 of his 64 passes (94%).
Given Mac Allister’s lack of form for the Reds over the last 12 months, this was a promising display that gave fans some cause for optimism about what next season could hold.
However, others rightly pointed out that the game was played at a slower pace than what he faces in the Premier League.
Can always tell who’s got an agenda or who just wants a shiny new player.
He played well, won majority of his duels, hardly gave the ball away & made a few tackles, overall he kept them ticking when the ball needed recycling.
— Ch' (@MrSilentMoves) June 22, 2026
Changed his advanced position of 8 from 2022 to traditional, physical no 6 and in my opinion the most important player for Argentina if they want to go far… He is control the tempo, bypassing the press… Hope he continues this
— The Sports Doc (@sportsdoc95) June 22, 2026
Quite good tbf, pace of the game suits him. Sitting in between the 2 CBS in Possesion and is dictating the build up from that role. International football suits him compared to the ground he is incapable of covering in the prem. Good game tho from him very controlled
— jack (@darren223344) June 22, 2026
He did well but since he wasn't closed down, he basically played at a pedestrian pace. He will struggle at PL pace.
— 44iii77 (@44iii77) June 22, 2026
Fish out of water everytime there’s a duel. No pressure on him when he has the ball but looks good in the 6 on the ball
— AG lfc (@lfc57655) June 22, 2026
Excellent. I was just wondering if playing in a double pivot is his preferred option
— JESHURUN (@cfcJeshurun) June 22, 2026
The way Mac Allister just orients himself to feed Messi passes, he can do the same with Wirtz.
Iraola will sort out the pressing structure and intensity.
But on the ball, we should be a team built around Florian Wirtz. Everything should be built to serve him.
— Watch LFC (@Watch_LFC) June 22, 2026
How the media saw Alexis Mac Allister
Of course, the headlines were reserved for Messi, but in the lower column inches, Mac Allister’s contribution was praised.
Mark Doyle of GOAL rated his showing as a 7/10 and said: “Stationed at the base of the Argentine midfield, Mac Allister did a good job protecting his back four and moving the ball forward, even if he did make a couple of rash challenges.”
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) celebrates scoring his side's first goal against Austria with teammates during the World Cup Group J soccer match in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Meanwhile, Rohit Sarkar of The 4th Official wrote similarly: “The Liverpool man kept things ticking over smoothly in possession. He recycled the ball under pressure and provided the necessary composure when Austria tried to turn the game into a physical battle.”
Broadcaster DAZN also noted that Mac Allister “kept Argentina ticking with quick passing combinations through midfield.”
What Alexis Mac Allister said about Messi: “There are no words”
It seems that playing with Messi doesn’t make his feats any less sublime in the eyes of his teammates.
Mac Allister told DAZN after the match: “There are no words left to describe, huh? I think so.
Alexis Mac Allister on the importance of building a team around Lionel Messi ?????#WorldCup | #FIFAWorldCup | #MacAllister | #Argentina pic.twitter.com/Eilo3cZvQW
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 17, 2026
“If anyone thought this team was better without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of all and we have to build a team for him where he feels comfortable.
“I think we did that today and the important thing is that he’s doing well, that he’s happy and that he’s scoring goals.”
Jurgen Klopp got Mac Allister’s shirt!
Thanks to his work for German broadcaster Magenta TV, Klopp has been getting around the World Cup and most recently popped up in Arlington to watch Argentina.
After the match, Liverpool’s former manager shared an embrace with Messi and Mac Allister, also making sure to get the latter’s match-worn shirt.
Having already secured progression from the group, Argentina’s next match is against Jordan in Arlington, at 3am (BST) on Sunday.