Alexis Mac Allister was handed a timely rest in the final World Cup game as Argentina set up a potential collision course with Mo Salah‘s Egypt in the World Cup last 16.
Argentina’s comfortable progression through the group stage enabled manager Lionel Scaloni to manage his side’s minutes, as he made nine changes ahead of their round of 32 match against Cape Verde.
Mac Allister had played every minute of the first two games but only emerged as a second-half substitute against Jordan, playing out the final 30 minutes of a 3-1 win, which saw Lionel Messi score again.
The 27-year-old was heavily involved during his cameo, finishing with the eighth-most touches (54) of any player, and a tidy 93 percent passing accuracy (42/45), as per FotMob.
He won six of the seven ground duels he contested, the most of any player on the pitch, as Argentina’s seamless progression to the knockout stages continued.
The reigning champions have landed on the same side of the bracket as Brazil, England, and notably Egypt, who they will face in the last 16 if they beat Cape Verde and the Pharaohs overcome Australia.
Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah could meet in World Cup last 16
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, September 29, 2025: Liverpool team-mates Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray A.?. and Liverpool FC. (Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts/Propaganda)
It creates the possibility of a clash between Mac Allister and his former teammate, Salah, though the Egyptian is awaiting results of a scan after injuring his hamstring.
While Liverpool’s No. 10 was protected and handed a timely rest, Salah faces an anxious wait to see if he can partake in his country’s first-ever World Cup knockout tie.
Salah “assured” Egypt’s manager he was “going to be okay” for the clash against Australia, but it remains to be seen if he can lead his side to a last 16 place against the current world champions.
As for Mac Allister, he will be buoyed by the opportunity to have sat out for 60 minutes ahead of the extended knockout stages after struggling physically throughout the season.
He is one of eight Liverpool players through to the knockouts, meaning a return to pre-season would come during the tour of the US, if he were to bow out in the first round.