World Cup: Alexis Mac Allister and Argentina begin World Cup defence with a win

---

Alexis Mac Allister helped Argentina get their defence of the World Cup under way with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Algeria.

Liverpool’s No.10 played the full 90 minutes of the reigning champions’ opening Group J match in Kansas City, during which Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick.

Mac Allister played a significant role in his side’s second goal of the evening, netted on the hour, as his powerful, long-range shot was spilled by the Algeria goalkeeper, enabling Messi to convert the rebound.

Argentina’s next game sees them face Austria in Arlington on Monday.