Argentinian press split on Mac Allister after Messi hat-trick seals 3-0 World Cup win over Algeria

Alexis Mac Allister completed the full 90 minutes as Argentina opened their World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City on Wednesday, yet the Liverpool midfielder found himself the subject of pointed criticism from sections of the Argentinian media despite the comfortable result.

Lionel Messi, 38, dominated the headlines with a hat-trick that effectively settled the group stage fixture, but Mac Allister’s contribution drew a range of verdicts from outlets back home — with ratings spanning from a lukewarm 5 to a more forgiving 6 out of 10.

TyC Sports were the harshest in their assessment, awarding the 27-year-old a 5 out of 10. “He looked somewhat awkward and struggled to find his rhythm alongside Enzo [Fernandez] at times,” the outlet wrote. “As the game progressed, he settled down a bit, though he never managed to be dominant, either in winning back possession or in orchestrating attacks.”

Ole were more charitable, settling on a 6 out of 10 while acknowledging moments of genuine quality. Their report noted that Mac Allister “unleashed a low, driven shot from outside the box, which goalkeeper Zidane parried into the path of Messi for the 2-0,” and that he and Fernandez “combined perfectly in the centre circle, tackled fiercely, and arrived in the box to finish off every attack.”

La Nacion also gave Mac Allister a 6 out of 10, crediting him with “a solid second half” and noting his average fan score of 6.57. Their report acknowledged that his role was not primarily defensive: “Playing as a central midfielder, his contribution wasn’t so much about winning back possessions and marking. In the first half, a couple of Algerian dribblers caused him problems. When he found his rhythm, he made the difference.”

The mixed reviews arrive at a sensitive moment for the former Brighton man. Mac Allister has endured a difficult season at Liverpool, and his club performances have already prompted questions about his long-term future at Anfield. His contract runs until the summer of 2028, but he has been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Manchester United. His father and representative, Carlos Mac Allister, has publicly dismissed talk of a departure for now.

Argentina’s win leaves the reigning world champions well placed in their group as the tournament progresses.