World Cup Winner Mac Allister Given Hero’s Welcoming by Brighton

• Alexis Mac Allister is the last of Premier League's World Cup winners to return to his club
• The Brighton midfielder was received at the club's training facility by teammates and staff
• His future hangs in the balance as many top European clubs are queuing for his signature

Alexis Mac Allister gave Brighton and Hove Albion an image boost after winning the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, becoming the first player of the club to win football's ultimate trophy.

He has been on an extended break after the victory, spending time in Argentina's capital Buenos Aires with his teammates, including a street parade attended by thousands in the city.

The former Boca Juniors midfielder turned up at the Amex Elite Football Performance Centre, where he was received by club teammates and staff in celebration of his contributions and successes.

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Mac Allister returns to Brighton

In a video uploaded by Brighton on social media, the 24-year-old arrived at the club's facilities with his World Cup medal around his neck, and went round shaking and hugging everyone present.

He then proceeded to lift a replica of the World Cup trophy, as white, blue and gold ribbons were dispensed in the colours of both Brighton and Argentina.

The Santa Rosa born player featured in six games in Qatar, providing a beautiful assist for Angel Di Maria to double Argentina's lead in the first half of the final against France, as noted by NBC Sports.

Mac Allister likened to Messi

The Brighton midfielder did not only return with the World Cup trophy, but was also compared to his idol, Lionel Messi for his style of play, as reported by Sports Brief.

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Fans have mistaken him for the Argentina captain for their similarities in height, quick feet, turning and ball movement, as he dazzled at the Mundial in the heart of Lionel Scaloni's midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul.

Mac Allister has attracted interest from top European clubs already, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid top of the list of outfits seeking his signature.