Messi explains tears after Argentina win over Algeria, revealing emotional reasons behind his reaction after scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory

Argentina national team captain Lionel Messi has explained the emotional moment he broke down in tears after scoring the opening goal in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match.

Also read: Haaland Inspires Norway to Commanding World Cup Win Over Iraq

Messi delivered a stunning hat-trick in the encounter, but his emotional reaction after the first goal became one of the defining moments of the match.

Speaking after the game, the 38-year-old forward said his tears were not related to football performance but personal challenges he had recently experienced.

“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 my teammates and the delegation for standing by me.”

Despite the emotional moment, Messi went on to dominate the match, scoring in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes to secure a commanding win for the Argentina national football team.

The performance marked his first World Cup hat-trick and further strengthened his status as one of the tournament’s most influential players.

Argentina controlled large spells of the game, with Messi’s clinical finishing proving decisive against a resilient Algerian side.

Also read: Haaland Inspires Norway to Commanding World Cup Win Over Iraq

The result gives Argentina a strong start to their Group J campaign as attention now shifts to their next fixture.