Alexis Mac Allister Leads Argentina to Historic Win, One Step from Back-to-Back World Championship

Alexis Mac Allister remains on course to become a back-to-back world champion after Argentina produced yet another dramatic late comeback in the World Cup on Wednesday, July 12.

What happened?

Argentina trailed England 1-0 with just over five minutes of normal time remaining, but goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned the game on its head and took Lionel Scaloni's side into the final. Mac Allister, who was twice denied by the woodwork in the latter stages, came in for deserved praise from one reporter in his homeland.

Why it matters for Alexis Mac Allister

Mac Allister's performance was lauded by Ernesto Provitilo in his post-match player ratings for TyC Sports, who gave him 7/10. Provitilo observed: "Similar to Enzo [Fernandez] on the left, positioned alongside [Leandro] Paredes, he didn’t quite manage to establish the desired partnership with Julián [Alvarez] there. But, like everyone else, he gave his all for every ball and contributed to winning back possession. When Argentina needed the equaliser, he was everywhere, heading the ball, hitting the woodwork. Another champion wanting to be champion again."

What comes next?

Mac Allister will have been disappointed not to score past Jordan Pickford with a close-range effort and was unlucky to hit the woodwork twice, although he can be quite pleased with his overall contribution on the night. The midfielder will have been involved in both finals if (as seems highly likely) he starts in New Jersey. The qualities outlined by Provitilo-the optimum effort to win back possession and the omnipresence as his nation sought to overturn a 1-0 deficit-are traits that Andoni Iraola would absolutely love to see from Mac Allister at Liverpool throughout next season.

The Reds' number 10 will go down in legend in his home country if they win at the weekend and he plays a starring role in that triumph. Mac Allister is now just one win away from being part of a historic line-up, with Argentina becoming just the third team in history to retain the World Cup (and the first since 1962) if they defeat Spain on Sunday.

Mac Allister's recent form has been a far cry from his struggles in the 2025/26 campaign, where he was well below his best for Liverpool. However, he's looked much more like his usual self at the World Cup, being lauded for his performances right throughout the tournament. The midfielder will be eager to continue his impressive form and help Argentina secure a historic back-to-back championship.

Argentina will face European champions Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, July 16, in a match that promises to be an exciting encounter. Mac Allister will be looking to make a significant impact on the game and help his nation secure a historic victory.

The World Cup final will be a fitting stage for Mac Allister to showcase his skills and help Argentina achieve a historic feat. With his impressive performances so far, he's certainly got the potential to make a lasting impression on the biggest stage in football.