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Mac Allister under scrutiny after Algeria's complaint to FIFA
Alexis Mac Allister came into the spotlight after the Algerian FA lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over the match direction in Argentina's 3-0 win. The Liverpool midfielder played a key role in the match, contributing to Lionel Messi's second goal.
Alexis Mac Allister finds himself at the center of a controversy during the 2026 World Cup after the Algerian FA lodged a formal complaint with FIFA following Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria. The Liverpool midfielder started the match in Kansas City, where Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick and the world champion national team made a strong step into Group J. Mac Allister also participated in the second goal, his shot helping to create the opportunity for Messi to score.
For a player coming off a difficult season with Liverpool, this was exactly the international stage he needed to find his confidence. Calm in possession, intelligent in his movements and influential without excess, Mac Allister appeared much closer to the player Argentina trusts deeply.
According to The Athletic, Algeria's complaint focuses on refereeing decisions that favored Argentina during the defeat. One incident involved Mac Allister and Ibrahim Mazan, with the Liverpool midfielder appearing to hit his opponent with an elbow. Referee Szymon Marciniak chose not to show any cards. Messi was also named in the complaint after a challenge on Aissa Mandi, who appeared to hit the defender around the Achilles tendon. Neither Argentine player was punished during the match.
Speaking after the match, Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic said: “It's useless to comment on hypothetical situations, but everyone saw it, including me.” Mac Allister has always had a certain character. At Liverpool, he became adept at causing contact, slowing down play, winning free kicks and imposing himself physically without often crossing the line. This is one of the reasons why Argentina appreciates him. In a midfield with Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez, he provides control, aggression and balance. It's not always spectacular, but it's often essential.
A retrospective action would seem unexpected. The incident involving Mac Allister did not appear serious enough to warrant a suspension, especially considering that the referee and officials had the opportunity to assess the situation during the match. However, Liverpool will monitor the situation closely. After a disappointing domestic campaign, Mac Allister's form at the World Cup matters, both for his confidence and his reputation. Argentina will face Austria on Monday evening at 18:00 BST. Unless FIFA takes a surprisingly tough view, Mac Allister should remain available. For now, it seems more like a matter of World Cup noise rather than a true disciplinary storm. However, with Argentina, Messi and Liverpool involved, even a small controversy quickly becomes a global affair.
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