Lionel Messi reminded everyone why he's one of the world's finest talents when bagging a World Cup hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria.
At 38 years of age, Messi is still capable of putting in superhuman performances, and the 3-0 win to start Argentina's Group J journey off on the best possible footing was singlehandedly secured by the classy attacker.
Southampton supporters will, of course, respect a performer at the top of his game, but they'll be more focused on Cyle Larin's exploits at the 2026 edition of the World Cup.
Larin climbed off the bench during Canada's own opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina to pick up a priceless equaliser for Jesse Marsch and Co, and he was in amongst the goals again versus Qatar, to live up to his affectionate tag as the Brampton Bagsman.
The goals won't stop coming for Larin
Securing a permanent deal for the Ontario-born marksman around the £2.5m mark continues to look more like a steal by the day.
Powering home nine goals last season, as Southampton's promotion dreams were cruelly cut short due to Spygate, Larin hasn't come into the World Cup with any resentment on how affairs played out on the South Coast.
Rather, that same burning passion to score goals that was present for Tonda Eckert's men in spades has been visible for Canada, with the 31-year-old now two for two at the World Cup, after instinctively bundling home The Reds' opening strike against Qatar.
"It's THE man for Canada at this World Cup"
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 18, 2026
Canada are ahead for the first time as Larin slots it past the keeper 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/i7VJ3SfIUY
From then on in, it was one-way traffic, as Jonathan David's hat-trick made sure of a comprehensive 6-0 win for the World Cup hosts, with Larin visibly emotional when collecting his 32nd goal overall for his country.
Outrageously, it could even be said that Larin is sticking out as his nation's own version of Messi, as he continues to be reliable and classy in front of goal.
He isn't a million miles off the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner in the early World Cup goalscoring charts either...
He's sat near Messi
Messi currently leads the way, with just one game played, yet a hat-trick is proudly next to his name.
David is just behind him, with three goals from two clashes, and Larin isn't too far down the pecking order.
The £2.5m striker is joint with the likes of Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe on two strikes, which is very illustrious company.
The Canada veteran must think this whole World Cup scenario playing out in front of him is very surreal, considering he had only goal to shout about from a dire loan stint with Feyenoord, during the early stages of the 2025/26 season.
Now, the goals are thankfully flowing, and they don't look like stopping anytime soon.
Past the World Cup, Saints fans will be excited to see Larin, hopefully, rip up the Championship again next season, as the 6-foot-2 menace made second-tier football look very straightforward by performing his poacher duties perfectly.
For the time being, though, Larin will be caught up in the magic of the famed World Cup, and with Marsch's men now resoundingly beating Qatar, they're in a great position to reach the knockout rounds.
How many more memorable goals will the Brampton bagsman help himself to during the frantic tournament? Only time will tell...
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