Argentina ended their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with an unexpected 1-0 defeat against Ecuador, in a game that marked the return of Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. While Lionel Scaloni’s side had already secured top spot in the CONMEBOL standings, the loss highlighted ongoing fitness concerns surrounding Mac Allister, who endured a difficult evening in Quito.

Argentina’s Road to Qualification

La Albiceleste entered the fixture against Ecuador already assured of their place at next year’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Having collected 38 points from their 18 qualifying matches, Argentina topped the South American table with relative ease.

Their campaign reflected the consistency and balance that has defined Scaloni’s tenure. The defending world champions, who lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022 and followed up with Copa America glory in 2024, showed once again why they are regarded as one of the strongest international teams in world football.

In the build-up to their trip to Ecuador, Argentina brushed aside Venezuela with a commanding 3-0 victory, underlining their dominance. However, that fixture saw Mac Allister absent, not due to injury, but travel complications that delayed his arrival to join up with the squad. His absence was noted, particularly as Scaloni often relies on his tactical flexibility in midfield.

Against Ecuador, the Argentine coach made several changes, rotating his side to manage minutes and give opportunities to fringe players. Among those reintroduced was Mac Allister, whose return was anticipated by fans eager to see him back in national colors after a stop-start few months at club level.

The Game: Early Setbacks for Argentina

The match in Quito quickly proved to be more complicated than Argentina might have expected. While Scaloni’s men had little to play for in terms of qualification, Ecuador entered the game knowing that every point was crucial in the competitive South American group. Their intensity and aggression were clear from the outset.

The turning point arrived in the 31st minute when veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi was shown a red card with the score still goalless. The dismissal left Argentina with a mountain to climb, as Ecuador sensed an opportunity to exploit their numerical advantage.

Shortly before half-time, that opportunity arrived. Former West Ham and Everton striker Enner Valencia, a talismanic figure for Ecuador, stepped up to convert a penalty deep into stoppage time. His goal proved to be the decisive moment, and Argentina—reduced to ten men and visibly struggling—never fully recovered.

Despite their efforts to claw back into the game in the second half, Argentina lacked the attacking sharpness and fluidity that usually defines their play. For Mac Allister, it was a particularly frustrating evening.

Mac Allister’s Struggles

The Liverpool midfielder, who played an influential role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph in 2022 and their Copa America victory in 2024, returned to the starting lineup but looked short of his usual sharpness.

Deployed in a more advanced role, operating just behind Lautaro Martínez, Mac Allister was tasked with linking midfield and attack. However, he struggled to impose himself. According to Argentine outlet Clarin, which handed him a lowly 4/10 rating, Mac Allister “lacked attacking sharpness and made little impact.” The newspaper noted that, at times, he appeared almost like an auxiliary forward, but without the precision or creativity to trouble Ecuador’s defense.

Other media sources echoed that assessment. One report argued that the 25-year-old “looked physically diminished,” suggesting that his lingering fitness issues prevented him from influencing the game. His lack of rhythm was visible, and he was unable to dictate the tempo or provide the incisive passing usually associated with his play.

At one stage, Mac Allister became embroiled in a tense exchange with Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié, a moment that highlighted his frustration. As the match progressed and Argentina were forced to adapt following Otamendi’s dismissal, Mac Allister dropped deeper into midfield. When Rodrigo De Paul was withdrawn, he even assumed a No. 5 role, a position demanding defensive stability and quick transitions. Yet even there, he struggled to deliver the aggression and forward thrust Argentina needed.

Scaloni’s Gamble

Scaloni had warned before the game that Mac Allister was not fully fit. The Liverpool man had already endured a disrupted pre-season due to injury and missed the Reds’ dramatic 3-2 win at Newcastle United earlier in the campaign because of fitness concerns.

Given Argentina’s already-secured qualification, the decision to start him in a challenging away fixture raised eyebrows. Some observers questioned whether it might have been wiser to ease him back gradually rather than throwing him into a high-intensity clash against motivated opposition.

Nevertheless, Scaloni clearly values Mac Allister’s tactical intelligence and versatility, qualities that were pivotal during Argentina’s World Cup run in Qatar. His ability to operate across different midfield roles makes him indispensable when fit. But in Quito, it became evident that he was not operating anywhere near his best level.

The Media Backlash

Argentine media coverage after the defeat was far from forgiving. Clarin highlighted his lack of attacking contribution, pointing out that he failed to provide decisive passes or shots on goal. Another outlet also rated him at 4/10, stressing that he rarely featured in Argentina’s passing circuits and did not carry the creative influence expected of him.

The criticism was not limited to his performance on the ball. Reports noted that his off-the-ball movement lacked intensity, and he appeared hesitant in physical duels, likely a byproduct of his incomplete fitness. The consensus was that Argentina missed his usual energy, incisiveness, and confidence when transitioning play from midfield to attack.

Implications for Liverpool

Mac Allister’s underwhelming display will also concern Liverpool. Since his arrival at Anfield from Brighton, he has become an important component of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield rebuild. His passing range, tactical awareness, and ability to progress the ball under pressure have been invaluable.

However, the Ecuador game served as another reminder of his fragile fitness situation. Having already missed key fixtures earlier in the season, Liverpool will be monitoring his condition closely. Klopp has often emphasized the importance of managing player workloads, especially for those returning from international duty.

With the Premier League and European competitions entering crucial phases, Liverpool will hope Mac Allister can regain sharpness quickly. Any lingering issues could hinder their midfield stability and rhythm.

Argentina’s Perspective

From Argentina’s standpoint, the defeat to Ecuador carries little significance in terms of qualification, but it does highlight the need for depth and readiness heading into the 2026 World Cup. Scaloni has built a squad with a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, yet the performance in Quito raised questions about reliance on key figures.

Mac Allister remains central to Scaloni’s plans. His adaptability allows him to play as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box midfielder, or even in more advanced roles. But his form and fitness will be critical to Argentina’s chances of defending their crown in North America.

Looking Ahead

Argentina’s defeat will quickly be forgotten as the focus shifts to preparations for the World Cup. For Mac Allister, however, the Ecuador game serves as a reminder of the fine margins at the highest level. While his talent is unquestionable, consistent fitness and form will be vital if he is to play a defining role for both club and country.

For now, Scaloni will likely reflect on the balance between giving minutes to returning players and protecting them from unnecessary risk. Liverpool, meanwhile, will hope that Mac Allister’s struggles in Quito are merely temporary, and that with proper recovery, he can rediscover the level that made him one of Argentina’s standout performers in recent years.

As Argentina move forward, their depth, resilience, and star quality remain unquestioned. But the Ecuador defeat showed that even world champions can stumble—and that key players like Mac Allister must be managed carefully to ensure they are ready for the challenges ahead.