Two of Argentina's World Cup heroes took extra precautions after their dramatic semifinal victory over England in the 2026 tournament. Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez and Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister each hired private security firms to guard their homes in the United Kingdom for two days following the match.
The decision came after Argentina's 2–1 comeback win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where England's Anthony Gordon opened the scoring before second-half goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez turned the tide. The victory sent Argentina to the final and sparked intense media coverage, particularly in British outlets, raising concerns about potential backlash near the players' residences.
Personal safety measures, not club arrangements
Both players acted independently, coordinating with professional security teams to maintain continuous patrols outside their homes. According to The Sun, neither Manchester United nor Liverpool were involved in organizing or financing the security details. The athletes took the step as a personal precaution to deter any vandalism or property damage in the emotionally charged aftermath of the match.
Local law enforcement confirmed that no attempts were made to damage or vandalize either player's property during the monitored period. The security detail ended without incident, and public attention has since shifted back to domestic football.
This isn't the first time Argentine players have faced heightened scrutiny abroad. The team's celebrations and banner displays during the tournament generated widespread coverage, and some of their peers have dealt with similar situations in the past. For context, Argentina players faced sanctions after a Malvinas banner at the World Cup, highlighting the political sensitivities that often surround the national team.
Both Martínez and Mac Allister are now wrapping up their post-tournament breaks. They are scheduled to return to their respective club training grounds—Carrington for Martínez and Kirkby for Mac Allister—ahead of the 2026–2027 Premier League season.
The incident underscores the unique pressures faced by South American stars playing in Europe, especially after high-stakes international matches. While the security detail was a temporary measure, it reflects the broader reality that for many Latino athletes abroad, success on the pitch can sometimes come with off-field complications.
As the new season approaches, both players will look to put the World Cup drama behind them and focus on club football. But for a few days in Atlanta, their victory over England resonated far beyond the stadium—all the way to their front doors in England.
