"I have a lot of respect for England; I've been there for six years now, and they've always treated me incredibly well. From a footballing perspective, there's no doubt they want to beat us at all costs, and it's going to be a very tough match," Alexis Mac Allister told the Liverpool Echo this week.

Those words, spoken ahead of Wednesday's World Cup semi-final, frame an unusual position for the midfielder: he will line up for Argentina against the nation that has adopted him. His granddaughter was born in England. His mother, who dreaded the move six years ago, now refuses to sing anti-English chants because of family ties there. And yet Mac Allister has just endured his poorest season at Liverpool in three years, disrupted by injury at the outset and inconsistent form throughout.

The Liverpool season and World Cup resurgence

The 2025-26 season did not look promising for Mac Allister. Injury problems disrupted his early campaign, and when he returned, the sharpness that had defined his previous seasons at Liverpool did not immediately follow. Inconsistency marked his play as the club itself struggled to find rhythm. By season's end, Liverpool finished fifth—a disappointment by their standards—and Mac Allister found himself on the periphery of a midfield that had once been built around him.

The World Cup told a different story. Operating in the number eight role and the double pivot position he identifies as his best, Mac Allister has become essential to Argentina's setup. Across six matches in this tournament, he has played 539 minutes and established himself as one of the most industrious midfielders on display. He has won 31 duels, made 10 tackles, and applied high pressure 208 times—an output that positions him among the tournament's most demanding workers. His average rating of 6.7 reflects consistency rather than flashiness, a midfielder who covers ground, wins balls, and anchors play.

One metric stands entirely alone: Mac Allister is the only player in World Cup history to have made twelve starts without defeat. Twelve appearances, twelve victories, a record that belongs to him alone.

Facing his adopted home

The England semi-final carries meaning beyond football because Mac Allister's relationship with the nation is not antagonistic. When he arrived six years ago, his family was reluctant. His mother, Silvina Riela, was frank: "I had a rather negative impression of England, at least regarding living there, due to the cold and the lack of sunshine. In my ignorance, I used to say, 'I hope we never end up in England.'"

Her perspective has shifted. "Now that I've experienced it, everything has changed," she said. "I expected to encounter cold, distant people, but they are actually very polite and respectful. We were welcomed by a country that has treated us in the best possible way."

Personal ties deepened when Mac Allister's granddaughter was born in England. This is why, when supporters sing chants rooted in the 1982 Falkland Islands conflict, Silvina Riela does not join. "My granddaughter was born in England. So, when everyone sings, 'Whoever doesn't jump is English,' I stay seated with her. I can't join in on that; I don't participate in that part," she explained to the Liverpool Echo.

Mac Allister himself navigates this complexity with precision. "We understand the context behind it, all the rivalry stemming from past events and history. Obviously, we also realise that this isn't the fault of their people or ours, but rather those in positions of power. I have a lot of respect for England. They've always treated me incredibly well," he said. But on the pitch, football demands its own intensity. "From a footballing perspective, there's no doubt they want to beat us at all costs, and it's going to be a very tough match. So now, the task is to prepare the best we can; while there is mutual respect, it's going to be a great battle out on the pitch."

At Liverpool, he could not find consistency. At the World Cup, he has become indispensable. Wednesday, he faces the nation his family has embraced.

FAQ

Why does Mac Allister perform better for Argentina than Liverpool?

Operating in his preferred number eight or double pivot role, Mac Allister has thrived at the World Cup. Across six matches, he has won 31 duels, made 10 tackles, and averaged a 6.7 rating, becoming essential to Argentina's setup. At Liverpool, injury problems at the outset and inconsistent form disrupted his season as the team finished fifth.

Does Mac Allister's family support England against Argentina?

Mac Allister's family is personally divided. His granddaughter was born in England and his mother, Silvina, has grown to love the country after initially dreading it. Yet Silvina refuses to participate in anti-English chants, saying she cannot join in when her granddaughter was born there. Mac Allister separates geopolitics from sport, respecting England while promising a fierce football battle.

What is Mac Allister's World Cup record?

Mac Allister is the only player in World Cup history with a perfect record: 12 appearances across all tournaments without a single defeat. At this World Cup, he has played 539 minutes across six matches, establishing himself as one of the tournament's most industrious midfielders with 31 duels won and 208 high-pressure actions applied.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →