Messi explains tears after first goal in Argentina's 3-0 World Cup win

Lionel Messi revealed that his emotional tears after scoring Argentina's opening goal in their 3-0 World Cup win over Algeria were not due to football, but personal struggles. The Inter Miami captain stated that he had experienced difficult days leading up to the match.

"I cried after the first goal, yes… but it was something completely unrelated to football," Messi said, according to Metro Sports. "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."

The 38-year-old forward netted a hat-trick in the Group J opener, his first at a World Cup, bringing his career total to 16 goals, level with Miroslav Klose. This performance also marked his 200th appearance for Argentina and his sixth World Cup tournament. At nearly 39, Messi became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick and a brace.

Argentina dominated the match, with Messi's clinical finishing proving decisive. Despite periods of possession for Algeria, Argentina secured an ideal start to their Group J campaign. Several other goals were disallowed for offside.

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I cried after the first goal, yes… but 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.