The god of football took human flesh, dwelt amongst us, showed us the football,  conquered the World Cup and made the 2026 World Cup a side quest with a hattrick last night.

Lionel Messi, how do you still do this at 38 (he will be 39 in a week’s time)? As fans of the beautiful game, we are fortunate to witness the god of football on the beautiful green grass. I was fortunate to see him in flesh & blood tormenting the Croats in Qatar.

Yesterday started as the Mbappe show. The Real Madrid scored twice as France defeated Senegal 3-1. Olise assisted the first goal. Bradley Barcola scored the other goal. Will Arsenal eventually sign him up?

Then it was the Haaland show. The City striker scored twice in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq. He could’ve gotten a hattrick. Arsenal Captain Odegaard got an assist in the game.

Then came the Messi show. He scored a hattrick to give Argentina a 3-0 win over Algeria with Zidane in goal. At 38, he is the oldest player ever to score a hattrick in the World Cup – surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo. He is now the top scorer in the World Cup with 16 – joint with Klose.

Austria defeated Jordan 3-1 early this morning in Group J. Messi would still play against Austria and Jordan. Are you thinking what I am thinking? Goals galore.

Today, Portugal will play Congo DR. Ronaldo would hope to get his scoring boots on. He was wasteful against Nigeria in the friendly game. Congo DR would want to show that the playoff route is not a weak route. Would Nigeria hate-watch? No. Will FIFA provide helmets for fans at the back of the goal? I hope they do.

Arsenal Starboy Bukayo Saka and England will play Croatia today in Dallas. It is going to be the hardest game for the Three Lions in the group stage. Will they rely on set pieces? Declan Rice can wipe it with his right while Saka & Madueke with their left. Will Eze make it happen?

My first ever live World Cup game was the 2018 World Cup semi final between England and Croatia. The team I supported won the game. Today, I will be supporting the Arsenal lads at the Fan Fest in Toronto.

Ghana play Panama in Toronto without Partey while Uzbekistan and Colombia play in Mexico City.

We are living in Lionel Messi’s football timeline. He was, he is and forever is the greatest of all time. GOAT.