Alexis Mac Allister has said he'll always respect England ahead of the semi-final showdown against Argentina on Wednesday in the FIFA World Cup
Myriam Toua
17:06, 12 Jul 2026Updated 17:11, 12 Jul 2026
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 11: Alexis Mac Allister #20 of Argentina celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Mac Allister has made his feelings clear ahead of the Argentina-England match on Wednesday(Image: Omar Vega, Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister has made his feelings clear about the England World Cup team ahead of the semi-final match against Argentina on Wednesday. Despite aiming to ruin the Three Lions' World Cup dreams, Mac Allister says he will always have respect for England.
The Argentinian national opened the match against Switzerland with a header as the South American nation won 3-1 in after extra time in a tense quarter final tie.
Advancing in the tournament, Argentina will face England in the semi finals in Atlanta in just a few days' time. However, ahead of the game, the Liverpool midfielder has made it clear he will always hold the England squad in high regard as he prepares to face them for the first time ever.
"From the first day I arrived in England - it has been six years now, if I remember correctly - people have always treated me incredibly well," Liverpool star Mac Allister said.
"I have nothing against that. We understand all the history in the background, which is perhaps not the fault of the fans, but of those in positions of power, but we understand that it's going to be a very special match.
"From my side, I will always have respect for them. But, obviously, on the pitch, we will give it our best."
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 11: Jude Bellingham #10 and Harry Kane #9 of England applaud fans after the 2-1 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The Three Lions will be facing Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)
Hopes are high for England on Wednesday following a stellar performance in the tournament so far, but it will mark a first for the Three Lions as they go up against Argentina legend Lionel Messi.
This will be their first meeting in almost 21 years. Despite making more than 200 appearances and scoring 125 goals for Argentina, Messi has never played against the England team.
Speaking ahead of the match, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards anticipates Argentina's 39-year-old secret weapon will be their biggest obstacle.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 07: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates winning during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
Messi will be England's biggest obstacle(Image: Koji Watanabe, Getty Images)
"England can outrun Argentina but they just have that little genius Messi. They all play for him. Everyone should be excited," Micah said.
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"Marking him is impossible because he doesn't run back. He goes into little spaces where he shouldn't be really. He switches out at the right times [and] he's got the best technique."
The showdown between Argentina and England is highly anticipated, given the two nations share one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
From Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal at the 1986 World Cup quarter-final to David Beckham’s red card in St Etienne in 1998, drama is one thing that isn’t lacking in matches between the countries.