Extraordinary Messi makes more history in masterclass for the ages

It was a day for football's biggest names. But even amid so much star quality, Lionel Messi still took top billing.

Hours after France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland had lit up the World Cup with two goals each, the stage was set.

But this was no supporting act, this was the main show. The Messi show.

His first World Cup hat-trick, a record-equalling 16th World Cup goal, and another reminder that despite his age, he isn't going away.

Argentina beat Algeria 3-0, and Messi was at the centre of it all.

As the sun dipped behind the Kansas City skyline, the 38-year-old became the first player in history to feature at six World Cups - beating rival Cristiano Ronaldo by a day.

Twenty years ago to the day after his World Cup debut as an 18-year-old at Germany 2006, one of the game's greatest superstars looked as sharp as ever in delivering another spectacular performance on his 200th appearance for his country.

Afterwards, he said: "To enjoy this with my family, with my team-mates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment.