Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is calling on his teammates to look toward the legendary Diego Maradona for motivation as they prepare to face England in the 2026 World Cup semi-final. This high-stakes match in Atlanta revives a historic rivalry that hit a fever pitch during the 1986 tournament in Mexico. During that famous quarter-final, Maradona cemented his place in history with the controversial ‘Hand of God’ goal followed by a magnificent solo run.
Reflecting on the match, Mac Allister noted that he has been revisiting footage of the 1986 heroics. He expressed a deep desire for the current squad to replicate that past success. With his own father having played alongside the late icon, the Liverpool star acknowledges that Maradona possessed a rare, nearly inimitable talent, perhaps comparable only to current captain Lionel Messi.
As Argentina targets a return to the final for the second consecutive time, Mac Allister shared his thoughts on the upcoming challenge. While he remarked that England has yet to display the typical ferocity associated with the Premier League, he remains wary of their quality. The match represents the first time the two countries have met on the World Cup stage since 2002, promising a display defined by nervous energy and high intensity.
