'Struggled' — Alexis Mac Allister receives harsh World Cup verdict from Argentinian media
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesAlexis Mac AllisterLiverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister's Argentina teammate Lionel Messi was the star of the show when the reigning world champions took on Algeria in the World Cup group stage on TuesdayAlexis Mac Allister has faced criticism over the past 12 months(Image: Getty Images)Alexis Mac Allister has faced sharp rebuke from the Argentinian media following his performance in his nation's 3-0 World Cup triumph over Algeria on Tuesday.Lionel Messi unsurprisingly stole the limelight after the 38-year-old struck a stunning hat-trick in the World Cup group stage match, delivering a decisive victory for Argentina.Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister, however, was criticized for a lethargic, ineffective performance. The Premier League star has struggled throughout a challenging campaign at Liverpool, prompting doubts about his future at Anfield.
The 27-year-old is under contract until summer 2028, meaning a decision on his prospects must be made in the near future.The ex-Brighton man has been touted for moves to Real Madrid and even Manchester United, though Mac Allister's father, Carlos, who serves as his agent, has dismissed any talk of an exit for now.Mac Allister played the full 90 minutes for the world champions in the Kansas City fixture. Here, Liverpool.com assesses how the Argentinian media evaluated the Reds midfielder's display.TyC SportsThe outlet gave Mac Allister a score of 5 out of 10, highlighting his limited impact.
TyC Sports noted: "He looked somewhat awkward and struggled to find his rhythm alongside Enzo [Fernandez] at times.Mac Allister in action against Algeria(Image: Getty Images)"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."OleOle adopted a kinder stance towards the midfielder, while still awarding him 6 out of 10.The publication noted: "He unleashed a low, driven shot from outside the box, which goalkeeper Zidane parried into the path of Messi for the 2-0."He and Enzo combined perfectly in the center circle, tackled fiercely, and arrived in the box to finish off every attack, like the one he headed over the crossbar."La NacionThe newspaper suggested that goalscoring hero Messi benefited from "a solid second half from Alexis Mac Allister" and awarded the Liverpool player 6 out of 10.His average supporter rating stood at 6.57.They continued: "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: a header in the box, a shot on Messi's second goal, and an assist to Leo on the only chance Zidane saved."Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Alexis Mac AllisterLiverpool FCFIFA World CupArgentina football team