Mac Allister says Messi's importance to Argentina can never be questioned

Lionel Messi's importance to Argentina can never be questioned or overstated, after his sensational hat-trick against Algeria made him the World Cup's joint-record goalscorer.

That is the view of Albiceleste midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who was glowing in his praise for Messi following Tuesday's 3-0 win in Kansas City.

Argentina made a flying start to their title defence as Messi claimed his first World Cup treble, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo (33 years, 130 days versus Spain in 2018) as the oldest player to net a hat-trick at the tournament, at the age of 38 years and 357 days. 

Messi's third goal – a trademark finish into the bottom-left corner after working half a yard of space on the edge of the area – was his 16th at World Cups overall, equalling Miroslav Klose's competition record. 

He and Klose both have one goal more than Ronaldo Nazario, while France captain Kylian Mbappe is just two behind the record holders, alongside Gerd Muller.

Messi's masterclass came as he became the first player to appear at six editions of the World Cup, playing his record-extending 27th match at the competition and winning his 200th international cap, and Mac Allister says he retains the same importance to Argentina as he held during their triumphant 2022 run.

"If anyone thought that the team was better without Leo, today it was clear that he is the most important of all," Mac Allister said, as quoted by TyC Sports.

"We have to build a team for him, where he feels comfortable. We have been doing that and he is doing well, he is happy and scoring goals."

Fellow midfielder Rodrigo De Paul – who assisted Messi's first goal with a neat line-breaking pass – echoed those sentiments as he said: "There are no words about Leo, they will have said everything in the TV broadcast.

"Enjoy it a lot, don't miss any minute that passes with him wearing this shirt. The years go by for everyone, but there is a lot of joy for him and for the team."

Argentina now face Austria in their second Group J game on Monday, before taking on Jordan five days later. 

And Messi is taking nothing for granted, pointing out that many established teams have struggled in the first few days of the tournament. 

"It was a bit difficult for us in the first half, things changed in the second half, which is normal," Messi said. 

"The first matches of a competition, more so in the World Cup, are difficult. We had the experience of the last one [losing to Saudi Arabia in their 2022 opener].

"It has been seen at this World Cup that no one gives anything away, it is a very competitive World Cup where all the teams are strong.

"All the matches are going to be very even, very intense. Physically, there are many strong teams and they play well, they study us."