Messi explains tears after World Cup goal - 'some difficult days'

Lionel Messi was emotional after scoring Argentina's first goal against Algeria in ‌the World Cup, a strike that marked the beginning of a memorable hat-trick.

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)

An emotional Lionel Messi was wiping his tears with his shirt ​after scoring Argentina's first goal against Algeria in ‌the World Cup, a strike that marked the beginning of a memorable performance where he netted ​three times to secure a 3-0 win.

But ​while his first World Cup hat-trick ⁠had many Argentine fans in tears of ​joy, Messi said he was crying for ​a personal reason unrelated to the sport.

"Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated ​to football. I went through some ​difficult days," said Messi, who is playing in a record ‌sixth ⁠World Cup, after Tuesday's match.

"But I'm grateful to the entire delegation and my team-mates because they were always by ​my side, ​giving ⁠me a lot of strength to help me get through ​it."

Messi, who turns 39 next ​week, ⁠has equalled Miroslav Klose's record of scoring 16 goals at the World Cup.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said in quotes reported on fifa.com: “I don’t have the words to describe Messi. For 20 years, he’s had us used to seeing things like this and he inspires everyone who watches him play.” 

Earlier, Messi added: “Everything I’m experiencing now is a bonus. I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve all my dreams — or even more than I ever dreamed of achieving — both professionally and personally.”

Algeria captain Aissa Mandi said: “What made the difference is that they have a player who is ruthless, almost every chance he gets ends up in the back of the net.

“He might be the best player of all time. His efficiency is formidable; we knew that. We tried to shut him down as much as possible, but it didn’t work – he was too good for us there.”

Argentina will ⁠continue ​their title defence with ​a Group J game against Austria on Monday.

Reuters and PA