At the age of 39, he scored a hat-trick! Messi, absolutely phenomenal! The USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup, the twilight of the gods!

Just now!

The 39-year-old Messi scored his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in Argentina's match against Algeria.

With 16 goals, he equaled Klose as the joint all-time top scorer in World Cup history, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory in their opening game.

Absolutely incredible...

I never saw Pelé or Maradona play, but Messi is truly the greatest I've ever watched.

Moreover...

Whenever this quadrennial tournament comes around, we often find ourselves marveling at the freshness of rising stars and feeling reluctant to bid farewell to aging legends.

For Messi and his fans, if Qatar 2022 was the crowning of youth, then 2026 marks the true end of an era.

Over six World Cup journeys, he has witnessed the dazzling brilliance of a debut, the glory of reaching the pinnacle, the burning tears of defeat, and the calm composure that comes with experience.

Fans watching from the screen have seen the young Messi rise to fame with exuberance and confidence.

They have seen him fulfill his dream and stand at the top, radiating brilliance.

They have seen him face defeat with tears in his eyes.

This year in the USA-Canada-Mexico tournament, they have seen him, weathered by time, still poised and dignified.

Our generation is truly fortunate.

Growing up alongside the stars, watching our youth fade away with theirs.

After the USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup, we may never see Messi and Ronaldo on the same stage again, nor all the legends gathered together.

The golden age of football that belongs to us will gently conclude this summer, to be treasured forever.

Messi still shines brightly.

Now, it's up to Ronaldo.