The eyes of the world were mesmerised by the untouchable Lionel Messi as he wrote himself into history by scoring a stunning hat-trick to give Argentina the perfect start to their World Cup title defence, beating Algeria 3-0 in Kansas.
The game was an exhibition of Messi's talent on his favourite stage of all. Sharp and unerring, he was a level above every other player on the park. Perhaps, even, a class above any other to grace a World Cup finals.
His treble ensured he drew level in the all-time scoring charts with Germany's Miroslav Klose on 16 tournament goals, also becoming the the oldest player to score multiple times in a World Cup match, surpassing Roger Milla's record.
The 38-year-old was ably supported by Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and club team-mate Rodrigo De Paul, but the night firmly belonged to him as he scored a trio of epic goals in a display that will be talked about for decades. His 61st career hat-trick.
The first was engineered by De Paul, delivering a cutting through ball to Messi in the pocket, and he shaped a lovely strike beyond Luca Zidane - son of France legend Zinedine Zidane.
Having been perhaps fortunate to avoid a card for a challenge on Aissa Mandi, Messi's second arrived early in the second half, turning home a parried effort from Mac Allister, before the third from the edge of the area, a low, bending strike, gave him his crowning moment.
He was subbed off to a standing ovation shortly after from a heavily pro-Argentina crowd. But even those of an Algerian persuasion will no doubt have been delighted to witness the great magician at work. A glimpse of history up close and personal.
The goals came 20 years to the day that the No 10 made his World Cup debut for Argentina in a match against Serbia and Montenegro - he scored in that one, too.
"At a loss for words about Leo. What can I say?" Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni reflected. "He's incredible."
Skysports