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Alexis Mac Allister paid an emotional tribute to his brother Kevin after seeing him make his international debut.
The Liverpool midfielder was given the chance to play alongside his older brother as Argentina faced Angola in a friendly on Friday. The reigning world champions ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi.
Mac Allister started the friendly in Talatona, which was played to mark Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence from Portugal. Messi was of course the main attraction for the more than 50,000 spectators in attendance, although the game will hold added significance for the Reds’ star.
Mac Allister was joined on the pitch by his older brother during the second half, with the Union Saint-Gilloise defender handed his first call-up by Lionel Scaloni at the age of 28 as he replaced Giovani Lo Celso on the hour mark.
The pair played around 25 minutes together before the younger Mac Allister made way with five minutes to go, a short time after Messi had doubled the visitors’ lead, and the Liverpool midfielder reflected on Kevin’s landmark moment after the game.
“For me, seeing him is the most beautiful thing,” Mac Allister said in a press conference (via TyC Sports).
“I know very well everything he fought for to get to this place, everything he dreamed of. The fact that he's making his debut today makes me very happy.
“I think it's been a very positive week for him, and well, that's the most important thing.”
The Mac Allister brothers have played on opposite sides in the past, with the pair meeting when Liverpool face USG during the Europa League group stages in 2023.
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Kevin will now hope he can secure a place alongside his brother in Argentina’s World Cup squad next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Reflecting on playing against Alexis, Kevin told FlashScore last month: “I usually never go out before kick-off, but that day I wanted to.
“I waited for Alexis on the pitch, messaged him to hurry up. We shared a mate (drink) at Anfield… that gave me goosebumps.
“It was one of the best moments of my career. Playing with or against your brother is something you never forget.”
English (US) ·