Argentina captain Lionel Messi has opened up about the emotional moment that saw him break down in tears after scoring during his side’s 3-0 victory over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The football icon was visibly emotional after finding the net in the 18th minute, sparking widespread speculation among fans and pundits about the reason behind his reaction.
However, speaking after the match, Messi clarified that the tears were linked to personal difficulties he had experienced in recent days and were unrelated to football.
According to the 38-year-old forward, the emotional outburst stemmed from challenges away from the game rather than anything that occurred during the World Cup encounter.
“Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football,” Messi explained after the match.
“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 to help me get through it.”
His comments quickly drew support from fans around the world, many of whom praised the Argentine star for his honesty and vulnerability.
Beyond the emotional moment, the match marked another significant milestone in Messi’s illustrious career.
The Argentine captain scored a hat-trick against Algeria, his first-ever hat-trick at a FIFA World Cup, helping his team secure a comfortable victory.
The three goals took his World Cup tally to 16, drawing him level with legendary German striker as the competition’s all-time leading goalscorer.
The Algeria clash also saw Messi make history by becoming the first footballer to feature in six FIFA World Cups.
The achievement came exactly two decades after his World Cup debut, further cementing his place among the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Reflecting on his journey, Messi expressed gratitude for the experiences and achievements that have defined his career.
“It makes me very happy to have lived through everything that came my way,” he said.
“What I’m living through now is the cherry on top. I’m very happy and grateful for this wonderful group. I enjoy it so much.”
With Argentina among the favourites to challenge for the title, Messi’s performance and emotional display have become one of the major talking points of the tournament so far.