Lionel Messi produces World Cup masterclass for the ages

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 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.