By Gautam Ray

Mesmerizing, spectacular, or unbelievable? Which new adjective can possibly describe Lionel Messi today? Was the world watching a 39-year-old legend or a 29-year-old prince of football? At the last World Cup, he completed the circle of his career by finally lifting the elusive trophy. Yet, was there still something left to achieve? Apparently, there was.

At 39, Messi scored the first World Cup hat-trick of his career. On the same day, he matched Miroslav Klose's record as the highest goal-scorer in World Cup history. Argentina defeated Algeria 3–0, and no one else needed to score. Messi took care of everything himself.

Having just recovered from injury, there had been doubts about whether he would even be able to play the full match. Did Messi himself expect to produce such magic? Then again, he is Lionel Messi. Whenever he steps onto the pitch, he does things that seem impossible for anyone else. Goals and assists are expected from him—but this? At 39, he completely defied the limitations usually associated with age.

Calling it a Messi-inspired performance would actually be an understatement. He simultaneously played the roles of both a number nine and a number ten. The team's remote control is usually in his hands anyway, but on this day he gripped it even tighter. With a dazzling display of passing, he orchestrated attacks involving Lautaro Martínez and Thiago Almada, while also completing a hat-trick of his own. That was the match in a nutshell. Nothing else mattered.

His first goal came from a trademark long-range strike. Although goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine Zidane, should probably have done better. A slight delay in his leap meant that, despite getting a hand to the ball, he could not keep it out.

The second goal came from a rebound. Alexis Mac Allister unleashed a powerful low shot from outside the box. The ball bounced off Luca and fell kindly for Messi, who reacted instantly and tucked it into the net.

The third goal was a perfectly placed low finish, precise and unstoppable.

Argentina began the tournament exactly as champions should. But when Messi performs at this level, what more can anyone else possibly do? The match was also remarkably clean, and Algeria deserve credit for that. They tried to compete on equal terms, but all their efforts ultimately came undone against football's prince. In the end, they lost to one man alone.

Without ever needing to reach top gear, Argentina produced smooth, controlled football throughout. In truth, there was nothing else to this match. It was simply Lionel Messi—Messi and only Messi.

Just as they had finished the previous World Cup, Messi and Kylian Mbappé seemed to pick up right where they left off. Mbappé had dazzled in the earlier match; then Messi stole the spotlight with his own masterpiece. The excitement of the World Cup is truly underway.

And later tonight, another superstar takes the field—Cristiano Ronaldo. What will he produce? Time will tell.

For now, however, all that remains is to salute Lionel Messi.

Salute, Leo. Salute.