Lionel Messi produces World Cup masterclass for the ages

There was an early glimpse of what was to come.

Four minutes later, Messi raced clear and slotted the ball past Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, but an offside flag prevented a fairytale start. The fans celebrated as if they had won the World Cup. The journalists turned to each other with inescapable looks. This was happening. It was just a delay.

There were a few moments of concern when Messi’s spikes caught on the top of Aissa Mandi’s heel, but no intervention was made and the Argentine took full advantage.

Messi’s moment came in the 18th minute. Twenty-five yards out, he shifted on his left foot and curled a stunning effort into the top right corner.

Goalkeeper Zidane, son of France legend Zinedine, caught the ball with both hands, but the force of the shot was too much. Kansas City Stadium erupted with noise as Argentine fans celebrated Messi’s 14th World Cup goal. It was the beginning of a historic night.

As former Everton midfielder Leon Osman observes: “Messi celebrates as if it was his first goal in the World Cup. He never seems to age with the talent he has. It’s a brilliant ball to his feet and, as you would expect, he finishes it perfectly.”

Twenty years have passed since he first burst onto this stage, and now in his record 27th World Cup appearance, Messi continues to defy age. Throughout the match he was constantly exploring options and constantly predicting Argentina’s next move. He looked fit, fast and menacing.

Messi scored again after 60 minutes. Zidane’s costly mistake caused the ball to go into Messi’s path. With typical composure, Messi slotted the ball into the net to become the top goalscorer in World Cup history. Thus, he became the oldest player to score two goals in the World Cup.

Up to this point, age has not dulled Messi’s talent. He has scored 10 goals in the World Cup since the age of 35; More goals than Harry Kane, Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry combined.