“With a dazzling hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 World Cup win over Algeria on Tuesday, the 38-year-old Lionel Messi vindicated coach Lionel Scaloni's assertion on the eve of the match that he remains fundamental to the reigning champions. Exactly 20 years after netting his first World Cup goal, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner again shaped the narrative, moving level with Miroslav Klose's 16 goals for a share of the all-time men's scoring record at the tournament. On a night that also marked a record sixth World Cup appearance and his 200th international match, Messi drew roars from the crowd from early on, robbing Algeria of possession high up the pitch in the second minute. Beyond the hat-trick that would follow, that defensive effort and intensity offered a snapshot of what the forward could still offer his side at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. 'It's an advantage to have Leo, because of how he manages the group and drives it forward,' said midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who set up Messi's first goal in the 17th minute. 'He doesn't pay attention to individual records. He prioritises the team, and for us that's incredible.' Messi's performance also offered a reminder of his resilience, as he arrived at the tournament after recovering from a muscle strain, having been eased back into action earlier this month. Any concerns over his fitness were put to rest. Messi magic 'hard to explain', says Argentina boss Scaloni's Monday statement that Inter Miami's Messi was now 'even more' important to Argentina was emphatically validated with the veteran imposing his rhythm on the match despite being well beyond his prime European years. 'About Leo, it's quite hard to explain,' Scaloni said at his post-match press conference. 'We are amazed with him still, although we get to see him on a daily basis and he's been the best for 20 years, he still pulls it off every single match. You don't have to be an Argentina fan to admire what he's done at age 38.' Scaloni, who masterminded Argentina's third World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022, said Messi did not behave like a superstar in the team camp. 'He's playing with a group of friends, with people that are going to play with their heart for him,' said the Argentina boss. 'Whenever they need to have a conversation with him they can just approach him and it's really hard to explain whatever he conveys and I could stay here with you for over an hour trying to explain exactly what he does, but you need to be there to really understand. You need to understand the atmosphere, the ambience.' The fact that this is likely to be Messi's final World Cup added extra significance for supporters. Thousands of Argentine fans at the Kansas City stadium repeatedly bowed in Messi's direction, including when he was substituted for Nico Paz in the 80th minute, while others had gathered the day before in Mill Creek Park wearing shirts emblazoned with his name In a venue where Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has so often commanded the spotlight, it was time for some Messi magic. Mahomes was present in the crowd on Tuesday, with the NFL star sharing a goat emoji and video of the Argentine on social media, sports shorthand for 'the greatest of all time.'
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