Mac Allister Waits on FIFA After Argentina Complaint

Alexis Mac Allister Awaits FIFA Verdict

World Cup Heat Follows Argentina Victory

Alexis Mac Allister has found himself dragged into controversy at the 2026 World Cup, with the Algerian FA lodging a formal complaint to FIFA after Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria.

The Liverpool midfielder started for Argentina in Kansas City, where Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick and the world champions took a confident step in Group J. Mac Allister also played his part in the second goal, his shot helping create the opening for Messi to finish.

For a player coming off a difficult season at Liverpool, this was exactly the sort of international stage on which he needed to look assured again. Calm in possession, intelligent in his movement and quietly influential, Mac Allister looked much closer to the player Argentina trust so deeply.

Algeria Complaint Raises Questions

According to The Athletic, Algeria’s complaint centres on refereeing decisions they felt went against them during the defeat.

One incident involved Mac Allister and Ibrahim Mazan, with the Liverpool man appearing to catch his opponent with an elbow. Referee Szymon Marciniak chose not to show a card.

Messi was also included in the complaint after a challenge on Aissa Mandi, which appeared to catch the defender around the Achilles tendon area. Neither Argentina player was punished during the match.

Speaking afterwards, Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic said: “It’s pointless commenting on hypothetical situations, but everyone saw it, including me.”

Mac Allister Remains Vital for Argentina

Mac Allister has always carried a certain edge. At Liverpool, he has become adept at drawing contact, slowing games, buying free-kicks and imposing himself physically without often crossing the line.

That is part of why Argentina value him. In a midfield with Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez, he provides control, aggression and balance. He is not always spectacular, yet he is often essential.

Retrospective action would feel unexpected. The incident involving Mac Allister did not appear severe enough to make a ban likely, particularly given the referee and officials had the chance to assess it during the game.

Liverpool Interest in FIFA Decision

Liverpool will still watch closely. After a poor domestic campaign, Mac Allister’s World Cup form matters, both for his confidence and his wider status.

Photo: IMAGO

Argentina face Austria next on Monday evening at 6pm BST. Unless FIFA take a surprisingly firm view, Mac Allister should remain available.

For now, this looks more like World Cup noise than a genuine disciplinary storm. Yet with Argentina, Messi and Liverpool all involved, even a small controversy quickly becomes global business.