Messi. Messi. Messi. Such was still the belief in the 38-year-old that fans were on cloud nine at every touch of the ball and they got their reward when the old fox scored three sensational goals on the biggest stage in football.
Not as if Messi has not showcased his skill at the biggest stage before – he’s used to it – the 38-year-old was at the centre of it all when Argentina won it four years ago. And he’s at the center of it again in a remarkable fashion.
And in their opening Group J match, the former world footballer of the year became the FIFA World Cup’s joint all-time leading scorer after netting a sensational hat-trick to inspire reigning champions Argentina to a commanding victory over Algeria.
Making his 200th appearance for Argentina, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner produced his first-ever World Cup hat-trick, taking his tally at the tournament to 16 goals and drawing level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
The performance also made Messi the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick and the first footballer to feature in six World Cup tournaments.
Argentina opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Messi curled a superb effort beyond Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane after combining with Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul.
The three-time world champions dominated much of the contest, although both sides had first-half goals ruled out.
Messi doubled Argentina’s lead just after the hour mark by capitalising on a goalkeeping error before completing his hat-trick with a powerful strike from the edge of the area in the 76th minute.
The victory marked Argentina’s first opening-match win at a World Cup as defending champions, having previously lost their opening fixtures in 1982 and 1990.
Lionel Scaloni’s side now move to the top of Group J as they continue their bid to become only the third nation to successfully defend the World Cup title.
Argentina will next face Austria before concluding the group stage against Jordan.
(The Whistler)