Mac Allister's anguish in Brazil and his statements that have gone round the world

The ball was not even on the pitch at the Maracana and the match had already begun. As if the South American Clasico wasn't already hot enough, some decided to make it even hotter. Several Brazil and Argentina fans started a pitched battle-like brawl just before the referee blew the whistle for kick-off. Almost half an hour later, the match was able to start normally despite the tension in the stadium.

A night to forget for the Brazilian national team in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, as they lost 1-0 to Argentina and thus broke a historic streak that they had held at home since 1954. Brazil are not faring well in CONMEBOL qualifying, having suffered their third defeat of the competition and slipped to sixth place. It wasn't all good news for Argentina, though, as after the match coach Leonel Scaloni cast doubt on his continuity as coach of the world champions.

Alexis Mac Allister was the other player who had to face the microphones after Scaloni's bombshell. And, like Otamendi, he assured that the players were not aware of the issue: "We didn't speak to Scaloni. We have to respect his feelings, but I hope he doesn't leave. We want him to stay forever.

Mac Allister concerned

The Liverpool player's comments are going round the world as it shows just how important he is to them in Argentina, although for now it seems unlikely that he will continue with the world champions. Alexis Mac Allister has a long journey back to Liverpool where he will have to prepare for Saturday's clash with Manchester City at the Lety hat Stadium where the Premier League hydrate is in contention.