Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister scores vital World Cup goal

It was his first goal for his country and a vital goal for Argentina to put them 1-0 up against Poland and top of the group.

Brighton’s 23-year-old midfielder latched on to a cross from right back Nahuel Molina.

His first time strike nestled past Szczesny in goal just after the second half kicked off.

• READ MORE: Prem foes are united as Alexis aims to help his hero Messi rule World at long last

It would have been a proud moment for Alexis and his family.

His dad Carlos missed out on the 1994 finals having played in the qualifying play-off.

Mac Allister has become an increasingly important player in the Argentina side since their opening game defeat to Saudi Arabia 2-1.

He started on the left of a midfield four in their 2-0 win against Mexico, before starting last night on the left of a three against Poland, another 2-0 win.

Mac Allister has been pivotal for Albion in a deeper role this season (Image: Liz Finlayson)

The victory will see Lionel Scaloni’s side play Australia who finished second in group D after a 1-0 win against Denmark.

Mac Allister spoke to The Argus just before departing for Qatar about their ambitions to win the tournament for Lionel Messi.

He said: “We know how important this World Cup is for him and as a team we will do everything we can to lift that cup.

“We knew it is maybe the last one for him.

“We will do our best to win it.”

Albion now have two World Cup goal scorers.

Fellow midfielder Moises Caicedo became Albion’s first ever World Cup goal scorer on Tuesday as Ecuador bowed out against Senegal 2-1.

Caicedo vs Leeds

The 21-year-old was unmarked at the back post to slot in a glanced header when Ecuador were 1-0 down.

His equaliser 67 minutes briefly meant that Ecuador would progress to the round of 16 instead of Senegal.

Unfortunately for Albion’s Ecuadorian contingent, that fabled second place in the group would not last long, with Senegal taking the lead just two minutes later.

Players still in the World Cup for Albion are Leandro Trossard, Kaoru Mitoma, Tariq Lamptey, Robert Sanchez and Alexis Mac Allister.

Trossard could feature for Belgium against Croatia tonight, while Mitoma could face off against Spain. Club teammate Robert Sanchez will be on the bench for Spain. Tariq Lamptey will be playing in some capacity against Uruguay in what will certainly be a heated match.