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Messi's tears during record hat-trick linked to father's health struggles
🇬🇷 Greece /Health & Science

Messi's tears during record hat-trick linked to father's health struggles

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Lionel Messi became emotional during Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in the 2026 World Cup.
  • Reports indicate his tears were due to his father's health issues, not solely football emotions.
  • Messi acknowledged a difficult personal period, and a journalist confirmed his father's ongoing health struggles.

Lionel Messi was visibly emotional, shedding tears on the field during Argentina's commanding 3-0 victory against Algeria in the 2026 World Cup. While the win marked a strong start to their title defense and saw Messi score a record-equaling hat-trick, his tears suggested deeper personal turmoil.

Honestly, it has nothing to do with sports. The last few days have been difficult and complicated.

— Lionel MessiAfter scoring a hat-trick in Argentina's World Cup victory, explaining his emotional state.

Following the match, Messi alluded to the cause, stating, "Honestly, it has nothing to do with sports. The last few days have been difficult and complicated." This private admission fueled speculation about the reason behind his profound emotional display.

Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinmann later revealed on Radio Mitre that Messi's tears were linked to the health of his father, Jorge Horacio Messi. Feinmann reported that Jorge Messi's health has been a concern for several months, with a recent worsening of his condition causing Messi significant personal distress. Jorge Messi, 68, has a long history of involvement in his son's career and business ventures, and had previously been hospitalized earlier in the year for cardiac and neurological examinations.

It is about his father. His health is not good. This has been going on for some time, several months, since last year. This week some things have worsened further and Messi is going through an internal struggle, like any human being.

— Eduardo FeinmannArgentine journalist, revealing the reason behind Messi's tears.

The Messi family has not publicly disclosed a specific diagnosis, opting to keep the situation private. Despite these personal challenges, Messi delivered a stellar performance on the field, scoring all three goals and equaling Miroslav Klose's record for the most World Cup goals. Coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his admiration, calling Messi "incredible" and a player "every football lover wants to watch."

I have no words for Leo. What can I say? He is incredible. Every football lover wants to watch him.

— Lionel ScaloniArgentina's coach, praising Messi's performance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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