Messi: Alexis Mac Mac Allister Describes the Moment He Met His Idol

• Alexis Mac Allister has said he was shaking when he first met Lionel Messi
• The 23-year-old Brighton midfielder has been instrumental for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup
• Mac Allister considers Messi his idol and is hoping to play a part when Argentina play in the World Cup on Sunday

Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has said he was terrified of meeting his idol Lionel Messi for the first time.

Mac Allister, 23, has been one of Argentina's best performers at the 2022 World Cup and has a chance to win the tournament with his captain and idol.

The Brighton midfielder was an unused substitute in Argentina’s historic 2-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia in their opening match. Since then, he has started every match on their way to the final.

The 23-year-old is set to start in the World Cup final against France on Sunday, as Lionel Scaloni's side aim for their first World Cup win since 1986, per Eurosport.

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Brighton signed the Argentine from South American giants Boca Juniors in 2019 but had to wait a while before making his debut in England. He has gone on to make 86 appearances for the Seagulls, scoring 13 goals, per Sky Sports.

Mac Allister on meeting Messi

Speaking to CNN, Mac Allister said he was scared of meeting Messi. He described how their first meeting went, per talkSPORT.

“I was so nervous, my hands were shaking. I’m a very shy guy, so, yeah, I was really nervous, but then you realise how humble he is."

"I went to the table and said hello with my hands – were shaking, I was sweating but it was an amazing moment."

The Argentine featured in two international friendlies back in 2019 when he first met his captain but had to be patient for almost three years until he was called up again.

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With his exploits in Qatar, big clubs may come calling soon. He is expected to play a crucial role for the two-time World Cup winners in their huge match on Sunday.

Mac Allister World Cup goal

Sports Brief earlier reported on Mac Allister scoring his first World Cup goal. He scored a 46th-minute goal against Poland in the group stages.

Argentina had been unable to find a way past Poland keeper Wojciech Szczesny in the opening 45 minutes in which he saved his second penalty of the tournament.

Incidentally, the goal was his first for his country. He has won 13 caps since making his debut in September 2019.