Alexis Mac Allister was left speechless by Lionel Messi's World Cup showing against Algeria, with the Inter Miami star scoring a hat-trick at the Kansas City Stadium
17:16, 17 Jun 2026
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after Lionel Messi's first goal for Argentina against Algeria
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after Lionel Messi's first goal for Argentina against Algeria(Image: Fernando Leon/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister played the full game for Argentina as they beat Algeria 3-0 at the World Cup, and he was asked — inevitably — about Lionel Messi at the final whistle.
Messi, the Inter Miami star, scored a hat-trick to kick off his sixth World Cup tournament. He is now level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the joint-top goalscorer in the competition's history.
In the last World Cup, which Argentina won, it slipped up on the opening day, losing to Saudi Arabia. This time, Mac Allister was glad that his nation was able to get off to a strong start.
"Well, it was what we expected and necessary, obviously," Mac Allister told DAZN.
"We had the experience in the last World Cup when we started perhaps not in the best way and ended up winning.
"We know how important it is to start by winning, to gain confidence. And well, we were able to do it well. We played against a great rival.
Mac Allister congratulates Messi after the Argentina captain's hat-trick goal
Mac Allister congratulates Messi after the Argentina captain's hat-trick goal(Image: JUAN MABROMATA / AFP via Getty Images)
"I think they were underestimated a little bit, but we never did. We know they are very good, and, well, at times we didn't have ball; we had to defend and suffer, but the important thing is that we won with an incredible performance from Lio.
"While there were some injuries, they was also time to work and continue improving, so we're all doing well. We're happy to be here, enjoying the moment, and hopefully it will be a great World Cup."
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are playing their final World Cups, with Mac Allister delighted that the former Barcelona forward got off to a flyer.
"There are no words left to describe it," Mac Allister said.
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"If anyone thought that this team was better off without Lio, today it became clear that Lio is the most important of all and we have to build a team around him, where he feels comfortable.
"I think we're doing that today and the important thing is that he is doing well, that he's happy, and scoring goals."
Liverpool.com says: Messi is not at his peak but he remains top-class. Unlike Ronaldo with Portugal, he is very much not holding his teammates back.
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From a Liverpool perspective, Mac Allister having a good tournament would be a very good thing. He didn't have the best season in the campaign just gone, but is clearly still very good.