Alexis Mac Allister: Argentina’s 2026 World Cup Unsung Hero | OneFootball

As we continue our series on potential unsung heroes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we turn our attention to the reigning world champions and one of the key engines of their midfield: Alexis Mac Allister.

Alexis Mac Allister comes from a long line of footballers — the game is quite literally in his blood. His older brothers, Francis and Kevin, are both experienced professionals, while his father, Carlos Mac Allister, is something of a cult hero at Boca Juniors and a former teammate of Diego Maradona in the mid-1990s.

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At 27, the central midfielder has built an impressive career since emerging at Argentinos Juniors, with his development accelerating through spells at Boca Juniors and Brighton and Hove Albion before reaching another level at Liverpool. Along the way, Mac Allister has been no stranger to success, winning just about everywhere he’s been, on both the club and international level.

Since earning his first cap in 2019, he has become a key piece in Lionel Scaloni’s system. Mac Allister has now amassed 42 international appearances and scored six goals, the most significant of which came against Poland at the 2022 FIFA World Cup — a strike that proved crucial in Argentina’s path to glory.

The midfielder looks to once again help lead his nation to another victory on the world’s biggest stage, and he will certainly need to continue his top performances if Argentina wants to repeat.

So while “unsung hero” may be a bit harsh of a title for someone as accomplished as Mac Allister, you have to remember that this Argentina squad is chock-full of players that occupy the spotlight, willingly or unwillingly. Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Emiliano Martínez are the faces of the team, while Mac Allister is the heart, quietly thumping away beneath the surface.

A Midfield General

Mac Allister matters so much to Argentina because he keeps everything running smoothly. He is the glue in the midfield, always positioned correctly, moving the ball quickly, keeping things simple when calm is required, and stepping up when control is needed. He doesn’t force plays or chase the spotlight, but his reading of the game allows the more expressive players to shine without the team losing its structure. With him on the pitch, Argentina look organized, balanced, and comfortable.

What truly sets him apart is his composure under pressure. Big games don’t faze him. Finals, hostile stadiums, knockout matches, he plays the same way every time. He can adjust his role on the fly, dropping deeper, pushing forward, or breaking lines depending on the moment, which makes him incredibly difficult to replace. He may not be the loudest presence, but his football speaks for him, and that calm authority has become a cornerstone of this Argentina side’s continued success.

As a fluid yet disciplined midfield presence, Mac Allister is also a vital link to players like Messi, who roam freely across the pitch. While Messi drifts, Mac Allister provides stability through the center, ensuring balance without limiting creativity.

His importance is reflected in decisive moments. At the 2022 World Cup, his goal against Poland essentially secured Argentina’s qualification for the knockout stage. More recently, in March 2025, he scored the third goal in a dominant 4–1 World Cup qualifying victory over Brazil.

Club Path

Mac Allister’s rise to becoming a commanding midfield presence at Liverpool was far from effortless. He began his professional career at the modest Argentinos Juniors, even spending time in Argentina’s second division. Once established in the top flight, however, his quality quickly became evident.

His move to Europe took shape in January 2019, when he signed a long-term contract with Brighton & Hove Albion. Rather than rushing his transition, the club opted for patience, allowing him to remain on loan at Argentinos Juniors to continue developing. It was a carefully planned step that helped prepare him for the demands of the Premier League.

Later that year, his journey took another turn with a loan move to Boca Juniors, where he played alongside his brother Kevin. He made an immediate impression, scoring on his debut in a Copa Libertadores knockout match against Athletico Paranaense — a moment that highlighted his knack for delivering on big stages.

At Liverpool, everything changed. Mac Allister has grown into one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders. Now in his third season with the Reds, he has registered 17 goals and 17 assists in 132 appearances. Beyond his individual influence, he has already helped Liverpool secure two major titles, including the Premier League, cementing his status as a cornerstone of the side.

A Road to Glory

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At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina appear to have a favorable group on paper. Algeria, Jordan, and Austria may not pose an obvious threat to the reigning champions, but, as always, the matches still need to be played.

Things could become far more serious in the knockout rounds. A potential round of 32 clash with Uruguay would immediately raise the stakes for Messi and company, followed by a possible round of 16 tie against a side like Turkey, and perhaps even a quarterfinal meeting with Italy should they qualify. From there, the road to the final would be anything but easy.

On the pitch, much of the attention will be fixed on Messi, possibly playing his final matches for Argentina and perhaps the final games of his legendary career. Alongside the greatest of all time will be Mac Allister, one of Argentina’s true unsung heroes heading into the tournament, and one of the finest central midfielders in world football, ready for his moment on the biggest stage.