It was exactly 20 years ago to this day that a long-haired, fresh-faced 18-year-old touted as the next big star of Argentinian soccer emerged from the bench in Leipzig, Germany to make his World Cup debut. And a breathtaking one at that.
In just 14 minutes, La Albiceleste’s new wonderkid announced himself on the world stage by assisting Hernan Crespo and getting on the scoresheet himself in a 6-0 demolition of Serbia and Montenegro, becoming his country’s youngest ever scorer at the tournament. A beaming Diego Maradona, Argentina’s sporting God himself, was pictured going wild in the stands as the potential heir to his throne was unveiled.
His name was Lionel Messi.
Two decades on, the boyish looks may no longer be there – nor are the long locks – but one week before his 39th birthday Messi’s magic is very much still alive and kicking. Alive and stomping.
Argentina’s captain dazzled his way to World Cup history on Tuesday night, firing home a stunning hat-trick which saw him equal Germany icon Miroslav Klose’s record tally of 16 career goals at this fabled tournament. He did so in typical breathtaking fashion as the reigning world champions got their title defense off to a perfect start in a 3-0 win over Algeria.
The million-dollar question heading into this World Cup was simple: How much does Messi have left in that glorious tank of his?
Lionel Messi made World Cup history with a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria
The 38-year-old showed he still has plenty of magic in a masterful display in Kansas City
We needed just one game to find out. In fact, we needed just 17 minutes here in Kansas City. That was when La Pulga – Spanish for ‘The Flea’ – lifted a boisterous sea of blue-and-white at Arrowhead for the first time by unleashing a ferocious curling effort into the top-right corner.
Messi, a reserved and modest character throughout his storied career, had as big of a grin on his face as ever as he wheeled away in celebration, with both arms stretched out as if to say: ‘How could anyone ever doubt me?’
Argentina got through the rest of the half in cruise control, yet it was their iconic leader who provided their brightest spark every time he received the ball. In the 37th minute he proved those spellbinding feet haven’t lost their speed or intelligence when he weaved past two players and released Lautaro Martinez in the box, only for the chance to go begging.
Towards the end of the first half Algeria upped the ante and tested Emiliano Martinez for the first time since Fares Chaibi had a goal ruled out for offside in the eighth minute, not long after Messi himself had seen an early opener disallowed.
There was enough cause for optimism in the Algeria locker room at the break. But 15 minutes into the second half, any hopes of spoiling the Argentine party in Kansas City – where the famous home of the NFL’s Chiefs was flooded by thousands of Messi’s devoted followers – were dashed by the great man himself.
This one wasn’t a strike to salivate over, with Messi pouncing on the rebound after Alexis Mac Allister’s shot was saved by Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane to double the world champions’ lead. His disciples hardly cared as they serenaded their talisman, their hero with deafening affection.
And if those who had paid the big bucks to witness his brilliance in the flesh still weren’t satisfied – although that surely can’t be possible – he etched his name even further into the history books by racing through on goal and tucking the ball home to equal Klose’s World Cup record and seal the most satisfying of 3-0 victories.
Just like he was 20 years ago, the late Maradona will be smiling down on his fellow great tonight as he continues to treat us to his mastery.
Messi made his World Cup debut in Germany in 2006 in front of the legendary Diego Maradona
Messi leveled Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 career World Cup goals with the hat-trick
Argentina still the team to beat
There will be tougher tests on the road to a potential second straight World Cup win, with Algeria providing very little threat themselves in a disappointing display, yet Messi’s three-goal heroics tonight proved Argentina will take some stopping again this summer.
With the energy of Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo de Paul and Alexis Mac Allister, who looked back to his best at times following an underwhelming season with Liverpool, providing some much-needed legs behind him, the Barcelona legend has the platform to thrive on the biggest stage once more.
Aside from the heroics of his captain this was a controlled, dominant showing from the rest of Lionel Scaloni’s side. Messi was simply the difference.
As a team it still feels like they can go up two or three more gears, which is a worrying prospect for the other leading contenders this summer.
More history awaits for Leo
With just one goal required, it is almost a foregone conclusion that Messi will break the record for most career World Cup goals at what will surely prove his final tournament.
Klose has long held the record of 16, and barring a disaster that tremendous feat will be bumped down to second by the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
In fact, if Kylian Mbappe keeps up his fine form for France – with his two goals in their 3-1 win over Senegal earlier today moving him up to 14 – the German legend could find himself third.
Regardless, Messi will surely make more history in the group stage with just one goal required to edge himself in front. Oh, and he’s also now set the record for featuring at the most World Cups with six, too.
Even Messi can’t fill FIFA’s stadiums
The topic of extortionate ticket prices and resulting empty seats at nearly every World Cup stadium has already been a fierce one this summer.
And even the presence of one of the greatest players in the sport’s history wasn’t enough to fill up Arrowhead on Tuesday night.
There were a depressing amount of empty seats all the way around the upper tier of the stadium throughout the game, while there were even quite a few directly opposite the TV camera in the lower section, which will have gone down like a lead balloon for FIFA.
If the superstar appeal of Messi can’t stop it, expect swathes of empty seats throughout this tournament as the matches increase in both importance and, as a result, price.
