Messi says his tears after first goal were caused by personal 'difficult days'
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group J - Argentina v Algeria - Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. - June 16, 2026 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their third goal to complete a hat-trick IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Jay Biggerstaff
June 17 : An emotional Lionel Messi was wiping his tears with his shirt after scoring Argentina's first goal against Algeria in the World Cup, a strike that marked the beginning of a memorable performance where he scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win.
But while his first World Cup treble had many Argentina fans in tears of joy, Messi said he was crying for a personal reason not connected with the sport.
"Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football. I went through some difficult days," said Messi, who is playing in a record sixth World Cup, after Tuesday's match.
"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."
A source close to Messi's family told Reuters his father was dealing with health issues.
Local media reported that his father was in hospital in Argentina and that the situation had worried the player in recent weeks.
Messi, who turns 39 next week, has equalled Miroslav Klose's record of scoring 16 goals at World Cup tournaments.
Argentina will continue their title defence with a Group J game against Austria on Monday.
