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Alexis Mac Allister## Alexis Mac Allister escaped a blatant yellow card, with an ex-Premier League referee questioning the decision to not book the Argentina midfielder in the World Cup final
20:39, 19 Jul 2026Updated 20:55, 19 Jul 2026
Alexis Mac Allister escaped a 'clear yellow card' in the early stages of the World Cup final
Alexis Mac Allister escaped a 'clear yellow card' in the early stages of the World Cup final(Image: BBC)
Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister escaped a “clear yellow card” after a feisty challenge on Dani Olmo in the first half of Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
The midfielder left Spain’s Olmo in a heap on the MetLife turf as he crunched the Barcelona star, conceding a free-kick. However, Mac Allister escaped further punishment, with World Cup viewers baffled that the Liverpool man avoided a booking.
Referee Slavko Vincic kept his cards in his pocket, to the surprise of many, with 76 minutes of regulation time to play at the time of the tackle. “It’s a clear yellow card for reckless play. He went in too fast, then caught his opponent with his front foot and second leg. I’m surprised because the fourth official has the perfect view, so [he] should have been able to advise accordingly,” former Premier League referee Graham Scott told The Athletic.
Fans were equal in their fury. “fair point from graham, honestly looks like a total mess watching it back in slow mo. reckless is the right call there fr,” one said.
“How is that not a booking for Mac Allister? Reffed differently,” another claimed. “That’s another bad tackle from Mac Allister and he should be booked,” a third tweeted.
Mac Allister is hoping to help his country make World Cup history. The tournament hasn’t seen back-to-back World Cup winners since Brazil and Pelé in 1958 and 1962. He was part of the squad that won in Qatar in 2022, which came the December before his move to Anfield.
“We reached the last day of this World Cup, like 4 years ago. Privileged and proud to belong to this family,” the 27-year-old said ahead of the final.
Dani Olmo #10 of Spain is tackled by Alexis Mac Allister #20 of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Dani Olmo #10 of Spain is tackled by Alexis Mac Allister #20 of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.(Image: Getty)
”Tomorrow awaits us another end of the world and we will give our lives to celebrate together once again. Let’s go Argentina.”
Argentina is also fighting to crown superstar talisman Lionel Messi a two-time world champion. It was the only major trophy he had yet to win before the 2022 triumph. He had played in the 2014 World Cup final, a 1-0 defeat to Germany in Brazil.
It could also end up being Messi’s final game for Argentina. The 39-year-old is nearing the end of his storied run as soccer’s Top Dog. He would be 43 by the time the next World Cup comes around in 2030.
“Whatever happens tomorrow, this group has already written a story that we will never forget and that nobody can erase. LET'S GO ARGENTINA," Messi said on social media.
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FIFA World Cup
Liverpool FC
Alexis Mac Allister
Argentina football team
Spain