After yet another unforgettable night on the world stage, Lionel Messi once again reminded football fans why his name continues to define greatness. The Argentine captain delivered a stunning hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Algeria in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup opener, a performance that not only equalled historic records but also revealed a deeply emotional side of the veteran superstar.
Speaking after the match in Kansas City, Messi addressed the moment in the first half when he appeared visibly emotional following his opening goal—an instant that quickly sparked concern and speculation among fans worldwide.
Messi on his emotional celebration
“Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football,” Messi explained. “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.”
Despite the intensity surrounding his emotional response, Messi went on to produce a match-winning performance, completing a hat-trick and further cementing his legacy on the global stage. The goals also saw him match Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals, adding another milestone to an already unparalleled career.
