2026 World Cup: Why I cried after scoring against Algeria – Messi

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has revealed that he cried after scoring the first goal in their 3-0 thrashing of Algeria, due to personal reasons.

Messi grabbed his first World Cup hat-trick, as the defending champions won their first fixture in convincing fashion.

After giving Albeceleste the lead, the 38-year-old became visibly emotional.

But the Inter Miami sueprstar said after the game that it was not related to football.

“I cried after the first goal, yes… but it was something completely unrelated to football,” Messi said.

“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.”