Alexis Mac Allister and Argentina were handed an almighty scare by Cape Verde at the World Cup, with the Liverpool midfielder receiving criticism back at home in South America
09:30, 04 Jul 2026
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JULY 03: Alexis Mac Allister #20 of Argentina appeals for a corner kick during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Argentina and Cabo Verde on July 03, 2026 at Miami Stadium, in Miami Gardens, Fla.(Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister and Argentina were handed a huge scare by Cape Verde at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister has received some harsh criticism back home in Argentina after his latest performance at the World Cup.
The Liverpool midfielder once again started for the defending world champions as they came up against tournament underdogs Cape Verde, and were given an almighty scare before eventually booking their place in the last-16.
Argentina needed extra-time, with Cape Verde twice coming from behind as the smallest nation left in the competition almost forced a penalty shootout. A Diney Borges own goal eventually spared the South American side’s blushes in the 111th minute, although the media back home was far from impressed with Mac Allister and his teammates.
The 27-year-old’s performance has been thoroughly scrutinized, with Ole awarding him a measly four out of 10 - it’s joint-lowest rating along with Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Thiago Almada.
“He [Mac Allister] shared midfield duties with Enzo, who was positioned a few steps deeper as the "number 5" — slightly to the right of center,” Ole summarized.
“Generally, the ball went through him as the first point of contact in the midfield. He didn't make a significant impact. He played with more freedom once [Leandro] Paredes came on; he looked more comfortable and was more involved near the opposing penalty area.”
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 03: Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina celebrates after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Argentina and Cabo Verde at Miami Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Argentina needed extra-time in order to see off Cape Verde(Image: Getty Images)
La Nacion was hardly more rewarding to Mac Allister, rating him just five out of 10 as it pointed the finger at the midfielder for Cape Verde’s second equalizer in extra-time.
“He struggled to find his rhythm,” they wrote. “He wasn’t as active or ingenious as usual in unlocking Cape Verde’s defense with through balls.
“He was a bit more involved in attack when Argentina was desperately trying to find a way through. He couldn’t contain Lopes Cabral on the stunning goal that made it 2-2.”
TyC Sports was a little more forgiving in its analysis of Mac Allister’s performance, awarding him a six out of 10 rating while praising his efforts in the middle of the park.
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“From here, we'll continue to support the hard work of the former Colo-Colo player,” they said.
“He sets the team's line; when he needs to be positioned, he's there; when he has to run to the flanks, he's there too. The fact that he's a few yards behind what many might prefer doesn't detract from the fact that his tactical work is being carried out satisfactorily. When it came to putting in a physical effort in this crazy match, he did.”
Up next for Mac Allister and Argentina is a meeting with his former Liverpool teammate as they face Mohamed Salah and Egypt in the last-16.
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The Pharaohs needed a penalty shootout to overcome Australia on Saturday, with Salah scoring cooly from the spot with a panenka to help his country to a first-ever knockout win at a World Cup.