Alexis Mac Allister has thanked the young artist who paid very public tribute to his World Cup feats.

Dana Mercado, 25, has completed a mural in the midfielder’s honour in his hometown in Argentina.

She worked with her father to bring a street corner opposite a sports centre in central Santa Rosa to life.

Alexis’s dad Carlos has visited to thank them for their work and Alexis has been in touch via social media.

Dana told The Argus: “It’s the first mural I’ve done and I did it to honour the first world champion from here in Santa Rosa, La Pampa.

“And to thank him for representing our province.

“It is also to motivate the kids here who train and play football.

“They can see that they can try to achieve that as well.

“You never know whether we have a future world champion growing up in La Pampa.

“I also wanted to leave my mark in this city.”

Dana and her dad found the right location in town and worked for eight days from 7am until midday before calling a halt as mid-summer temperatures hit 35degC.

She said: “From the second day, members of Alexis’s family were coming past to say thanks and take photos.

“Lots of people showed support by tooting their horns or shouting as they went past.

“I chose the image because I wanted to show the cup, the medal, Alexis and also the third star.

“And, of course, he was named a 'Ciudadano Ilustre' (distinguished citizen) of La Pampa, so it shows this as well.”