Algeria goalkeeper Melvin Mastil has recalled swapping shirts with Lionel Messi as a standout memory from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 26-year-old spoke to RTS Sport about the experience, describing it as unforgettable.
Mastil revealed his request for Messi's shirt after Algeria's opening match against Argentina on June 16 was met with kindness. The keeper said: "Messi has been my idol since childhood. I asked him for the shirt and he agreed immediately." That opening match ended in a 3-0 win for Argentina in Kansas City.
The shirt swap wasn't the only memory the goalkeeper carried from the tournament. Mastil spoke enthusiastically about the atmosphere created by Algerian supporters who traveled in large numbers to support the team in the United States. He described Riyad Mahrez's 93rd-minute equalizer against Austria as particularly emotional and powerful.
That goal in the match that ended 3-3 on June 27 secured Algeria's passage to the Round of 16. Fans can follow the team's complete statistics on our stats page.
The keeper's reflections on World Cup memories come at a significant point in his professional career. Mastil recently joined Swiss club Lausanne-Sport in the top flight after an exceptional season in the second division where he was named the league's best goalkeeper.
At international level, Mastil was the third-choice goalkeeper during the 2026 World Cup behind Luca Zidane and Oussama Benbot. He earned his first caps in a friendly against Guatemala last March that ended in a 7-0 victory. The current national team squad can be viewed on our squad page.
Participating in the global tournament, despite not playing any minutes, boosted the goalkeeper's confidence and experience. Mastil acknowledged there were doubts about his fitness for the World Cup due to a groin hernia, but he managed to complete preparations and join the squad.
This global experience represents a turning point for the young goalkeeper who now has experience with high-level preparation camps and matches. Mastil now aims to secure his place in Algeria's starting lineup for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
The Algerian national team faces challenging matches in the coming months within Group 7 of African qualifiers. Supporters can follow all upcoming match schedules on our fixtures page.
