Messi: That’s why I cried after the goal against Algeria

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has expressed his delight after scoring three hat-tricks to help Tango beat Algeria in their 2026 World Cup opener. He also talked about his moment of crying, which attracted attention.

Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, returned with a bang to start his side’s games in the current campaign, where he scored a hat-trick to become the top scorer and win the man of the match award.

and:Adel Al-Barghout equaled German Miroslav Klose’s record as the highest goalscorer in World Cup history with 16 goals.

Messi said in the statements broadcast on BeIN Sports network after the match. “I want to celebrate with my family and my teammates in the national team, as well as the fans.”

He added: “It’s a beautiful moment to start the World Championship like this, we achieved a very important victory today.”

He commented on playing hard during the 6th World Championship. “Yes, I’m in good shape and it was important that we won today. The first half was difficult, but we knew how to handle it in the second half.”

“I would like to thank them because they showed that Argentina lives in football madness. Thanks to them for what they gave and what we saw from them, be it today or at the 2022 World Cup. I think they enjoy these victories as much as we do.”

In other statements highlighted by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano via his account on the X platform, Messi spoke about his crying scene during the first goal celebration against Algeria.

The 39-year-old football player said. “Yes, I cried after the first goal, but it had nothing to do with football.”

The captain of the Argentina national team explained the reason for his crying, saying: “I went through some difficult days, but I thank all the members of the mission and my teammates, because they were always by my side and gave me a lot of strength and support.”