After scoring Argentina’s first goal in their 3-0 triumph over Algeria, Lionel Messi has explained why he started crying.
The reigning champions overcame the North Africans in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J on Wednesday thanks to a hat trick from the Argentina captain.
However, the night’s most memorable moment was not one of his three goals, but rather the Inter Miami captain, who was clearly upset and crying as soon as he opened the score.
The 38-year-old Messi clarified that his emotions had nothing to do with sport in an interview following the game.
Yes, I sobbed after the first goal, but it had nothing to do with football.
According to Metro Sports, he stated, “I went through some difficult days, but I’m grateful to the entire delegation and my teammates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength.”
Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes, tying Miroslav Klose with 16 career World Cup goals.
On the occasion of his 200th appearance for Argentina and his sixth World Cup competition, he scored his 14th World Cup goal overall.
Messi, who is almost 39 years old, became the oldest player in World Cup history to score a brace and a hat-trick.
Even though Algeria had moments of possession, Argentina controlled the game because to Messi’s brilliant finishing.
Both an Algerian goal and a fourth Argentine goal were rejected due to offside.
Argentina has a perfect start in Group J thanks to the victory.
