Lionel Messi explains tears after hat-trick against Algeria
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria and opened up about his emotional celebration, while Lionel Scaloni praised his iconic captain.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Bryan Berlin
Argentina captain Lionel Messi stole the spotlight in Kansas City, netting a hat-trick against Algeria. However, the 38-year-old was visibly moved to tears after opening the scoring, a moment that sparked widespread curiosity regarding his emotional state.
Addressing the media after the game, Messi clarified that his reaction was unrelated to the historic milestone of appearing in his sixth World Cup.
Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football. 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 to help me get through it. Lionel Messi
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was left searching for new ways to describe his captain, who also equalled Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals. Scaloni urged the football world to cherish the forward's performance while he is still on the pitch.
At a loss for words about Leo. What can I say? He's incredible. People who watch football want to see him, it's not just Argentines. Beyond the result, we have to enjoy him. What he transmits to the world is incredible. As long as Leo wants to, he'll be the best. Lionel Scaloni
The 3-0 victory also saw Messi match Klose's record of 17 World Cup match wins. Argentina now turns its attention to upcoming group stage fixtures against Austria on June 22 and Jordan as they look to defend their world title.