Lionel Messi's stunning hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 opening World Cup victory over Algeria on June 17 saw the superstar get uncharacteristically emotional when celebrating, prompting speculation as to why the characteristically tough and focused player would let his guard down a bit in a group stage game.

Top football teams increasingly rely on big data and predictive algorithms to gain an advantage. But sports psychology plays a big role, too. And that is where I come in. I have a passion for sports in general and soccer in particular – it is the game I grew up playing in Germany.

As Argentina soccer legend Lionel Messi lit up the record books on Tuesday night - scoring three goals against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium, thus tying the all-time men’s FIFA World Cup scoring record at 16 goals - another icon also unexpectedly illuminated Kansas City’s night sky: The downtown Western Auto sign.