Alexis Mac Allister sends strong message to new Arsenal signing after bust-up on international duty
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It might have only been the international break but South Americans take these games very seriously indeed.
The Premier League is almost back after nearly a fortnight away as players begin to return after representing their countries at the World Cup qualifiers.
Liverpool had 19 first-team players away on international duty in total, covering almost all corners of the globe.
Alexis Mac Allister was one of those who had to travel the furthest when representing Argentina, even if he did only play one of their two matches.
Despite already qualifying for the World Cup, Mac Allister clearly still played against Ecuador like it was his last match, with things getting very heated on the pitch.
And, he had quite a serious run-in with one of Arsenal’s new signings, with the midfielder then sending him a strong message on social media afterwards.
Photo by RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP via Getty Images
He might not be the biggest or strongest on the pitch, but Mac Allister is certainly not scared to get stuck in, something a lot of South Americans like to do.
Although the standard of players in this part of the world is very high, sometimes their games can boil over and see things get a little scrappy.
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That is exactly what happened during the Ecuador vs Argentina match and ‘Macca’ was in the thick of it, even if he was not the instigator.
The Liverpool star backed his teammates when big tackles were going in, with the 26-year-old even squaring up to new Arsenal signing Piero Hincapie after the defender put in a bad challenge.
And, if that was not enough already, he then posted on his Instagram of him doing just that, with the caption underneath saying: “YOU ARE NOT LIKE THAT,” followed by a sword and laughing emojis.
READ MORE: Liverpool will be frustrated after what’s just happened to Mohamed Salah on Egypt duty
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Hincapie may have had the last laugh, though, as his side beat Argentina 1-0, although both have qualified so it does not have too much of an impact on either of them.
These two appear to have a bit of bad blood towards each other and as they will both now be competing against each other for the Premier League, things will likely only get worse.
Unfortunately for neutrals, Liverpool played Arsenal in the last game before the international break, meaning they will probably have to wait a while to see them battle it out again.
Barring no meetings in any cup competitions, the Reds will next face the Gunners early on in the new year, a game that could have a big significance at that point of the season.