Extraordinary Messi makes more history in masterclass for the ages

It was a day for football’s biggest names. But even amid so much star quality, Lionel Messi still took top billing.

Hours after France’s Kylian Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland had lit up the World Cup with two goals each, the stage was set.

But this was no supporting act, this was the main show. The Messi show.

His first World Cup hat-trick, a record-equalling 16th World Cup goal, and another reminder that despite his age, he isn’t going away.

Argentina beat Algeria 3-0, and Messi was at the centre of it all.

As the sun dipped behind the Kansas City skyline, the 38-year-old became the first player in history to feature at six World Cups – beating rival Cristiano Ronaldo by a day.

Twenty years ago to the day after his World Cup debut as an 18-year-old at Germany 2006, one of the game’s greatest superstars looked as sharp as ever in delivering another spectacular performance on his 200th appearance for his country.

Afterwards, he said: “To enjoy this with my family, with my team-mates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment.

“The squad, it’s a very united, very strong group. I feel good; we were lucky enough to win a tough match. It’s important to start off with a win in the first game.

“I’m grateful to the fans, because once again they’ve shown that Argentina is crazy about this – we packed the stadium again.

“Everything I’m experiencing now is a bonus. I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve all my dreams — or even more than I ever dreamed of achieving — both professionally and personally.”

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, added: “I don’t have the words to describe Messi. For 20 years, he’s had us used to seeing things like this and he inspires everyone who watches him play.”

There was an early glimpse of what was to come.

Four minutes in, Messi raced clear and put the ball past Algeria’s keeper, Luca Zidane, only for the offside flag to prevent what would have been a fairytale start. Fans celebrated as if they had won the World Cup. Journalists turned to each other with a look of the inevitable. It was happening. This was just a delay.

There were a few moments of concern when Messi’s studs caught the top of Aissa Mandi’s heel but, no action was taken, and the Argentine took full advantage.

By the 18th minute, Messi’s moment arrived. Twenty-five yards out, he shifted on to his left foot and curled a superb effort towards the top-right corner.

Goalkeeper Zidane – son of France legend Zinedine – got both hands to it, but the strike had too much power. Kansas City Stadium exploded with noise as Argentina fans celebrated a tearful Messi’s 14th World Cup goal. It was the start of a historic evening.

As former Everton midfielder Leon Osman observed: “Messi is celebrating like it’s his first World Cup goal. With the ability he has, he never seems to age. It’s a brilliant ball into his feet and, as you’d expect, he finishes it superbly.”

Two decades on from his first appearance on this stage, and now in a record 27th World Cup match, Messi continues to defy his age. Throughout the match, he was constantly scanning for options, constantly anticipating Argentina’s next move. He looked fit, fast and threatening.

After 60 minutes, Messi struck again. A costly error from Zidane allowed the ball to roll into Messi’s path. With typical composure, Messi placed the ball into the net to move within one goal of becoming the joint-top scorer in World Cup history. In doing so, he became the oldest player to score two goals at the World Cup.

To this point, age has not blunted Messi’s ability. Since turning 35, he has scored 10 World Cup goals – more than Harry Kane, Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry have each scored in total.

In the 76th minute, Messi completed his hat-trick, having been teed up by substitute Nico Gonzalez. It was written in the stars.

And it meant that Messi had drawn level at the top of the all-time World Cup finals scoring chart with Germany’s Miroslav Klose.

With his arms raised, his eyes lifted to the sky, and thousands of Argentina fans cheering his name, he took it in. Even for Messi, this felt special. He turned to thank the thousands of supporters watching on as the stadium filled with noise.

As he was substituted, he left the pitch to a standing ovation. His name echoed around Kansas City.

Well beyond the final whistle, thousands of Argentina stayed in the stadium to continue the party.

It was a sea of blue and white, with drums beating relentlessly and Argentina fans in full voice.

Many wore Messi’s name on their backs, others showed off their tattoos of him. His name dominated every conversation.

For them, he is more than a player. ‘Hero’, ‘Idol’, ‘Our son’ are words Argentina fans here used to describe him.

He inspired Argentina to the World Cup four years ago. Who would back against Messi taking his country all the way again?

Even Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, usually the headline act in this stadium, watched on like everyone else, captivated by Messi’s magic.

On a day of superstars, the ageless Argentine stood above them all.