The world’s eyes were captivated by untouchable genius Lionel Messi, who wrote himself into history with a stunning hat-trick to give Argentina the perfect start to their World Cup title defense in a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas.
This match showcased Messi’s talents on his favorite stage. Sharp and unerring, he was a level above every other player on the park. Perhaps this could be the class that can grace the World Cup finals.
His treble took him on the all-time scoring list with Germany’s Miroslav Klose with 16 goals in the tournament, surpassing Roger Milla’s record to become the oldest player to score multiple goals in a World Cup match.
The 38-year-old was well supported by Enzo Fernandes, Alexis Mac Allister and club team-mate Rodrigo de Paul, but the night firmly belonged to him as he scored three mammoth goals in a display that will be talked about for decades. 61st hat trick in total.
The first was designed by De Paul, who delivered a cutting pass to Messi in the pocket, who fired a wonderful strike past Luca Zidane, the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane.
The second arrived early in the second half to head home a Mac Allister effort, while the third provided the best moment with a low, curved strike from the edge of the area.
He soon received a standing ovation from the crowd supporting Argentina. But any Algerian would have been delighted to see the great magician at work. Get an up-close and personal glimpse into history.
Lionel Messi scores first World Cup hat trick
The goal came 20 years after the number 10 made his debut for Argentina in games against Serbia and Montenegro. He scored in that game too.
“I’m at a loss for words about Leo. What can I say?” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni reflected. “He’s amazing.”
Key moments in Kansas City…
In fact, there were only three moments to speak. More mega each than before. Inevitably, they all belonged to Lionel Messi.
17: target! Messi received DePaul’s cutting pass on the half-turn and fired a spectacular strike toward the top corner.
60: target! The number 10 blocked Mac Allister’s shot and headed home with his weak right foot.
76: target! Messi’s hat-trick was completed as he reached the edge of the box and deftly curled inside the post.
What the results mean…
Messi: World Cup hat trick ‘cherry on top’
Argentina captain lionel messi:
“I’m so glad I’ve been able to live through everything that’s come my way, but what I’m living through now is the cherry on top.
“I’m really happy and grateful to have this amazing group. It was a lot of fun.”
He added, “I do my best when I feel well.”
Analysis: Messi reaches dazzling new heights
Lionel Messi now joins Germany’s Miroslav Klose on the World Cup all-time scoring list with 16 goals.
Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
It’s a team performance that ignites the nation’s hopes for back-to-back glory. An individual display that will be admired for years to come. At 38 years old, Lionel Messi’s impact in the World Cup final was felt more strongly than ever.
In addition to the goals, all of which he skillfully scored, he also had the most shots on goal (6) and the joint-most touches in the opposition box (4). He is expected to take first place in both metrics. But his work rate was striking, similar to the diligence of a player half his age.
Only De Paul and Fernandes have made more tackles for Argentina. He fought three duels in the middle of the park. He provided seven passes to his teammates into the final third.
The global superstar clearly surpassed even his elite standards in the first match of a tournament where his fitness was in doubt. His 200th convention was nothing more than a celebration. that The best soccer player of all time.
Surprisingly, Messi has never won the World Cup Golden Boot before. This, his final dance on the world stage, is definitely the time to put that right.
Scaloni was defeated by his inspirational words about Messi.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni to FIFA:
“There are no words to describe Messi. Over the past 20 years, he has become something we have become accustomed to seeing and an inspiration to everyone who watches him play.”
“We are trying to take it one game at a time. The team is happy. We have given playing time to a lot of players. Hopefully we can win the next game and get everyone into the third round of the group stage.”
