Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has warned Argentina must be ready to “suffer” at the World Cup after their dramatic victory over Cape Verde. The Reds’ star is also preparing for an emotional reunion with Mohamed Salah.
Argentina edged into the last 16 with a hard-fought 3-2 win in Miami and will now face Egypt, meaning Mac Allister and Salah will temporarily put their Liverpool partnership on hold.
The midfielder admitted the match served as another reminder that there are no straightforward fixtures at a World Cup, regardless of the opponent’s reputation.
Mac Allister embracing new Argentina role
This tournament has also seen Alexis Mac Allister take on a different tactical responsibility for Lionel Scaloni.
Unlike Argentina’s victorious 2022 World Cup campaign, when he often played further forward and allowed Enzo Fernández to operate as the deepest midfielder, the Liverpool man has now become the side’s “stopper” in midfield.
Alongside Enzo Fernández and Rodrigo De Paul, he continues to form the core of Argentina’s midfield triangle, even if the roles have changed.
Despite a performance the Argentine press considered below their usual standards against Cape Verde, Mac Allister believes the experience could prove valuable heading into the knockout rounds.
Speaking to Clarín, he said: “I don’t know if it was a wake-up call, but it shows there are no easy matches. Every game is difficult and you have to give 100%.”
“I just want to congratulate Cape Verde because they played a great match. They have a lot of quality as well.”
Argentina needed a late winner to avoid extra time, and Mac Allister admitted there was little energy left after the final whistle.
“There wasn’t even any energy left to celebrate, but there was happiness. Obviously, seeing the fans and our families happy is pure joy. But now it’s time to rest and prepare for the match against Egypt.”
The Liverpool midfielder spent Argentina’s day off with his family, including his wife Ailén Cova, their daughter and his father Carlos Javier, before turning his full attention to the knockout stage.
Cape Verde earned Argentina’s respect
Mac Allister was also keen to dismiss any suggestion Argentina underestimated Cape Verde before kick-off.
“The truth is it was tough. It was the match we expected. Obviously, nobody likes finishing a game suffering the way we did.”
He continued: “It was difficult because they play good football. Many people don’t know them and underestimate them. We never did.”
“We were very clear that physically they are very good. Technically as well. The second goal they scored was incredible.”
The Liverpool player then summed up the lesson Argentina believe they have learned before facing Egypt.
“Every match is going to be like this. We have to be prepared to suffer.”
Salah reunion brings Liverpool subplot
Alexis Mac Allister
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – OCTOBER 22: Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool
The reward is a meeting with Egypt and Mohamed Salah, one of Mac Allister’s closest teammates at Liverpool.
The pair have spent the last three seasons together at Anfield, winning the Premier League in 2025 and the EFL Cup in 2024.
Mac Allister has previously spoken publicly about Salah’s professionalism and the influence he has had on him since his arrival from Brighton. Now they will be opponents.
“We know they [Egypt] are having a historic World Cup and they’re happy and enjoying this moment,” Mac Allister said.
“They’re coming with confidence. It’ll be a tough team.”
He then turned his attention to Salah himself.
“I know Mo of course. He’s someone who helped me a lot off the pitch as well, so hopefully it’ll be a nice match for the fans.”
The Argentine also acknowledged the occasion could be the last time he sees his Liverpool teammate for some time.
“After this match I probably won’t see him for a long time. So I wish him all the best in his life.”