The eyes of the world were mesmerised by the untouchable Lionel Messi as he wrote himself into history by scoring a stunning hat-trick to give Argentina the perfect start to their World Cup title defence, beating Algeria 3-0 in Kansas.
The game was an exhibition of Messi’s talent on his favourite stage of all. Sharp and unerring, he was a level above every other player on the park. Perhaps, even, a class above any other to grace a World Cup finals.
His treble ensured he drew level in the all-time scoring charts with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16 tournament goals, also becoming the the oldest player to score multiple times in a World Cup match, surpassing Roger Milla’s record.
The 38-year-old was ably supported by Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and club team-mate Rodrigo De Paul, but the night firmly belonged to him as he scored a treble of epic proportions in a display that will be talked about for decades. His 61st career hat-trick.
The first was engineered by De Paul, delivering a cutting through ball to Messi in the pocket, and he shaped a lovely strike beyond Luca Zidane – son of France legend Zinedine Zidane.
The second arrived early in the second half, turning home a parried effort from Mac Allister, before the third from the edge of the area, a low, bending strike, gave him his crowning moment. He was subbed off to a standing ovation shortly after from a heavily pro-Argentina crowd. But even those of an Algerian persuasion will have been delighted to witness the magician up close. History in action.
Lionel MESSI of Argentina gestures after scoring the opening goal in the first half of the Group J match
The goals came 20 years to the day that the No 10 made his World Cup debut for Argentina in a match against Serbia and Montenegro – he scored in that one, too.
The key moments from Kansas City…
Really, there were only three moments to speak of. Each more mega than the last. Inevitably, they were all owned by Messi.
17: GOAL! Messi took De Paul’s cutting pass on the half turn and bent a sumptuous strike into the top corner.
60: GOAL! The No 10 pounced on a parried effort from Mac Alisster, steering home with his weaker right foot.
76: GOAL! Messi’s hat-trick is complete, arriving on the edge of the box to curl expertly inside the post.
