Lionel Messi’s sensational World Cup hat-trick is a sad moment for football

Four years ago was meant to be the last time football fans saw Lionel Messi at his glittering, genius best. Yet his sensational, electrifying performance for Argentina in their 3-0 World Cup opener against Algeria in the early hours of Wednesday morning was a timely reminder that, even at the age of 38, he remains as magical as ever. Messi had seen Kylian Mbappe shoot down Senegal. He had witnessed Erling Haaland inspire Norway against Iraq. He had watched from afar as the current generation started to leave their mark. Then the Inter Miami star took over, delivering a performance every bit as good as four years ago. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say His first World Cup hat-trick, one that drew him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 goals in the competition, left supporters and pundits alike in awe. Yes, Luca Zidane in the Algeria goal should have done better for two of the goals. Messi's first was a curling shot that nestled in the top corner, with Zidane only helping it on its way. His second was a composed finish after the Algeria goalkeeper had spilled the ball invitingly into his path. But the 38-year-old's third, and crowning moment of the match, was a throwback. Fired low into the bottom corner at pace, Zidane had no chance. It is the sort of performance that makes you appreciate just how brilliant the former Barcelona and PSG star truly is. For the best part of two decades, we have witnessed masterclass after masterclass. Messi's magic has mesmerised and enchanted, always leaving fans wanting more. Yet there is now an unavoidable sadness that this is likely his encore. We, unfortunately, won't get too many more memories like this. LATEST SPORTS NEWS: Wayne Rooney's new look astonishes football fans during BBC World Cup...