Argentina’s captain shines with three goals in a 3-0 win over Algeria, but reveals his emotional celebration had nothing to do with football.
Lionel Messi once again proved why he remains one of football’s greatest icons, scoring a sensational hat-trick as Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria. Yet it was not only his performance that captured attention, but also the tears he shed after scoring his first goal of the night.
The 38-year-old captain, who became the oldest player ever to score for Argentina at a World Cup and matched the all-time World Cup scoring record held by former Germany striker Miroslav Klose, appeared visibly emotional as he celebrated his opener.
Speaking to TyC Sports after the match, Messi revealed that his tears were unrelated to football and were instead linked to personal struggles he has faced in recent days.
“Honestly, the tears had nothing to do with sport,” Messi said. “I’ve gone through some difficult and complicated days. I want to thank the entire delegation and my teammates. They were always there for me, as they always have been. They gave me a lot of strength to get through this moment, and that’s all there is to it.”
Messi did not elaborate further on the reasons behind those difficult days, but his comments immediately sparked an outpouring of support from fans around the world.
Despite the emotional backdrop, Argentina delivered a professional performance against a determined Algerian side. Messi admitted that the match was far from easy.
“We knew it was going to be a complicated game,” he explained. “They have very good players, they are dynamic and intense. If they recovered the ball, they could create chances, but we were well organized defensively. We were fortunate to take the lead and control the game, maybe not in the way we usually do through possession.”
The Argentine superstar acknowledged that opening matches at a World Cup are often the most challenging.
“The first games of a major tournament, especially at a World Cup, are always difficult. We learned that from the last World Cup. Nobody gives you anything in this competition. Every team is strong, well coached and has its own style of play. Every match will be balanced and physically demanding.”
Messi was also asked about equaling Miroslav Klose’s World Cup scoring record, but downplayed the significance of the milestone.
“It’s an honor to be up there alongside Klose, and Ronaldo is there too, but honestly it doesn’t mean much to me,” Messi said. “It’s just a statistic. Kylian Mbappé scored twice today and he’s getting closer. Ronaldo was one of the greatest players ever and he’s not at the top of this ranking, so in the end it’s only a number.”
Finally, Messi spoke about his current physical condition and his determination to keep playing for as long as possible.
“I love football. It’s been my passion since I was a child. When I feel good, I give everything I have. We’re actually watching the Rafael Nadal documentary right now, and I identify with him a lot. We are very similar because I always want to give my best and feel good. That’s how I like to live. As long as I can do it and I’m fit enough, I’ll keep going.”
Messi’s unforgettable night in Buenos Aires added another chapter to an already legendary career. But beyond the goals and records, it was his emotional honesty that perhaps resonated most, reminding everyone that even football’s biggest stars face difficult moments away from the spotlight.
