Mac Allister urges Argentina to draw on Maradona's legacy

In a packed cinema in Villa Fiorito, Argentinians enthusiastically applauded and wept as they revisited Diego Maradona's unforgettable goals against England in the 1986 World Cup. This emotional engagement on July 14, 2026, symbolized the intense rivalry that extends beyond football, particularly as Argentina prepared for their semi-final clash against England on July 15 in Atlanta.

Argentina's midfielder Alexis Mac Allister emphasized the importance of channeling the spirit of Maradona as the team sought to triumph over England. This semi-final match marked the renewal of a historic rivalry that peaked during the 1986 World Cup, where Maradona scored both goals in the quarter-final, including the infamous "Hand of God" opener. Argentina, having captured the trophy that year, achieved a similar victory in 2022 with Lionel Messi leading the way, while Mac Allister contributed to the side.

"I don't know if it's just by chance or what, but in the last few days, I have started seeing videos of Diego, of the 86 game and other things that obviously help and make you want to watch them and remember them," Mac Allister said to reporters on Tuesday. "Diego represents so much for the country and I hope we can do something similar to what they did in 1986," he added, while noting that his father, Carlos, had played alongside Maradona for Argentina.

The 27-year-old midfielder acknowledged Maradona's exceptional skill set, stating, "He was able to perform things he carried inside him and it is practically impossible to do those things… Maybe only Leo (Messi) could do that."

This semi-final on Wednesday was set to be the first World Cup meeting between the two nations since 2002. Argentina aimed to secure their place in a second consecutive final and their third in four tournaments. Mac Allister remarked that England had not yet played at the intensity expected from Premier League teams during the 2026 tournament.

"I don't know if it's to do with the heat, the climate or something else," he said, acknowledging England as a formidable opponent. "But obviously they are a great team who we greatly respect. I imagine tomorrow's game will be played with a lot of intensity and obviously plenty of jitters on both sides."