World Cup Clash: Mac Allister Urges Argentina To Follow Maradona’s Footsteps
Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has urged his teammates to draw inspiration from the great Diego Maradona as they prepare for a blockbuster 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday.
The Liverpool star said memories of Maradona’s iconic performance against England at the 1986 World Cup have inspired him ahead of another historic encounter between two of international football’s fiercest rivals.
Argentina and England will meet in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for a place in Sunday’s World Cup final, reviving a rivalry that was born out of decades of unforgettable footballing moments.
Maradona famously inspired Argentina to a 2-1 victory over England in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, with the controversial “Hand of God” goal, and also scored one of the greatest solo goals in football history. Argentina won the tournament, and Mac Allister was in the squad that helped the Albiceleste win the title again in Qatar in 2022, with Lionel Messi as its leader.
Ahead of Wednesday’s encounter, Mac Allister admitted he has been looking back at footage of Maradona’s exploits recently.
“I don’t know if it’s just by chance or what, but in the last few days I started to see videos of Diego, of the ’86 game and other things that obviously help and make you want to watch and remember them,” Mac Allister said.
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The 27-year-old said: “Maradona is an eternal symbol of Argentine football. I hope the current generation can do what the champions of 1986 did.
“Diego is very important for the country and I hope we can do something like they did in 1986,” he added.
Carlos’ son, who played alongside Maradona for Argentina and Boca Juniors, also recognized the extraordinary talent of the late football icon.
He was able to do things that he had inside of him and it is almost impossible to do those things. “Maybe only Leo (Messi) could do that,” he said.
Argentina and England will meet for the first time in a World Cup since the 2002 tournament when they go head-to-head on Wednesday. Argentina are looking to reach the World Cup final for the second time in succession and a third time in the last four tournaments.
Despite having a strong squad Mac Allister believes England have not managed to bring the relentless intensity of Premier League football to the tournament.
“I don’t know if it’s the heat or the climate or whatever but they are obviously a good team and we respect them a lot,” he said.
“I guess tomorrow’s game is going to be played with a lot of intensity and obviously a lot of jitters on both sides.
One of football’s greatest rivalries is set for another compelling clash between two global superpowers, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
