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Messi says his tears after first goal were caused by personal ‘difficult days’

Cyprus Mail · 2026-06-17

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria, but he was seen crying after his opening goal due to personal struggles unrelated to football. • Why it matters: Messi's emotional display highlights the challenges athletes can face off the field, while his performance cements his legacy as one of the greatest footballers, matching Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals. • What to watch next: Argentina will face Austria in their next Group J match, and fans will be keen to see how Messi's emotional state influences his performance as the tournament progresses.

**Title: Messi Reveals Emotional Moment After Scoring in World Cup Match Against Algeria**

Lionel Messi displayed a mix of joy and emotion following Argentina's impressive 3-0 victory over Algeria in the World Cup, where he made history by scoring his first World Cup hat-trick. The moment was particularly poignant for Messi, who was seen wiping tears from his eyes after netting Argentina's opening goal.

While many fans celebrated the achievement with tears of joy, Messi later revealed that his tears stemmed from personal struggles rather than the thrill of the game. "Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football. I went through some difficult days," he explained after the match. The 38-year-old forward, who is participating in his sixth World Cup, expressed gratitude towards his teammates and the entire delegation for their unwavering support during challenging times. "I’m grateful to the entire delegation and my team-mates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength to help me get through it," he added.

Messi's performance against Algeria not only highlighted his exceptional talent but also underscored his resilience as he navigates personal challenges off the field. With this hat-trick, he has now matched Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals scored in World Cup history, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Looking ahead, Argentina will continue their title defense in Group J with a match against Austria scheduled for Monday. As the tournament progresses, Messi's emotional journey and on-field achievements will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

Source: Cyprus Mail
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