Argentina are safely through to the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Lionel Scaloni’s side were made to work for their place after surviving a major scare against the tournament surprise package in Cape Verde.
The reigning world champions needed extra time to edge out the African nation 3-2 in one of the most entertaining matches of the competition so far.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring before Deroy Duarte levelled matters in the second half.
Lisandro Martinez restored Argentin’s lead in extra-time, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to produce one of the strikes of the tournament to produce another equaliser.
Ultimately, a Cristian Romero header that deflected in off Diney Borges for an own goal in the 111th minute proved decisive, sending Argentina through to the next round where they will face Egypt.
While Messi inevitably grabbed many of the headlines after another influential display, Liverpool supporters were keeping a close eye on Alexis Mac Allister as he completed 84 minutes in midfield before being replaced by Leandro Paredes.
Argentine outlet Clarin handed Alexis Mac Allister a respectable 6/10 rating following the dramatic victory, suggesting the Liverpool midfielder gradually grew into the contest after a mixed display in his preferred central role.
Clarin’s review read: “He provided more control in his established central midfielder position. However, he was still inaccurate with some of his passing. After Paredes came on, he shifted to the right, pushed further forward, and became a bit more influential.”
Liverpool fans will be encouraged to see Mac Allister continuing to feature prominently as Argentina pursue back-to-back World Cup triumphs.
Back at home, there have been rumours of a potential summer exit from Liverpool for Alexis Mac Allister but if he continues to remain a mainstay in the Argentina midfield as they enjoy a deep run into the tournament, Liverpool may reconsider their stance and give the player a chancd under Andoni Iraola.
Even if this was not one of his most eye-catching performances, Clarin’s verdict reflected a player who improved as the game progressed and helped the holders negotiate a potentially dangerous knockout tie to keep their title defence alive.