Lionel Messi reveals reason behind tears on record World Cup night: I went through difficult days
Lionel Messi said he had gone through "difficult days" away from football before his record-equalling hat-trick against Algeria, explaining the emotional scenes that followed his opening goal in Argentina's World Cup opener.
After scoring a historic hat-trick and equalling Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup goals record, Lionel Messi revealed that the tears he shed during Argentina's win over Algeria were the result of personal struggles away from football.
Messi was visibly emotional after scoring the opening goal in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in their Group J clash. While many assumed the moment was linked to the occasion, the 38-year-old later explained that his emotions stemmed from challenges away from the game.
"It had nothing to do with football, I went through some difficult days," Messi said after the match.
"It was a matter totally unrelated to sports; I went through some difficult, complicated days."
The Argentina captain did not elaborate on the reasons behind those difficulties, but thanked his teammates and the national team's support staff for helping him through the period.
"I'm grateful to the entire delegation, to my teammates. They made a lot of effort to make sure I am doing well," he said.
Once the emotions subsided, Messi turned the night into another landmark occasion in a career full of them.
Playing in his 200th match for Argentina and appearing at a record sixth FIFA World Cup, Messi opened the scoring with a thunderous strike before adding two more goals to complete the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career.
The treble also took his tally to 16 World Cup goals, drawing him level with German great Miroslav Klose at the top of the men's all-time scoring charts.
The hat trick capped a remarkable evening for Messi, who once again proved decisive on football's biggest stage as Argentina launched the defence of their world title with a commanding victory.
Despite adding another record to his collection, Messi preferred to reflect on the journey rather than the achievement itself.
"It makes me very happy to have lived through everything that came my way. What I'm experiencing now is the cherry on top," he said.
"I'm very happy and grateful for this wonderful group. I am enjoying it so much."
'MAYBE THE BEST PLAYER OF ALL TIME'
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni could only marvel at another memorable display from his captain. "I am at a loss for words about Leo. What can I say?" Scaloni said. "He's incredible."
"What makes the difference is they have a player who doesn't forgive," Algerian defender Aissa Mandi said of Messi. "Almost every chance ends up in the back of the net.
"He's a player, maybe the best player of all time, so that's his efficiency, and it's formidable. We knew it, we tried to limit him as much as possible, but it didn't work."
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
After scoring a historic hat-trick and equalling Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup goals record, Lionel Messi revealed that the tears he shed during Argentina's win over Algeria were the result of personal struggles away from football.
Messi was visibly emotional after scoring the opening goal in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in their Group J clash. While many assumed the moment was linked to the occasion, the 38-year-old later explained that his emotions stemmed from challenges away from the game.
"It had nothing to do with football, I went through some difficult days," Messi said after the match.
"It was a matter totally unrelated to sports; I went through some difficult, complicated days."
The Argentina captain did not elaborate on the reasons behind those difficulties, but thanked his teammates and the national team's support staff for helping him through the period.
"I'm grateful to the entire delegation, to my teammates. They made a lot of effort to make sure I am doing well," he said.
Once the emotions subsided, Messi turned the night into another landmark occasion in a career full of them.
Playing in his 200th match for Argentina and appearing at a record sixth FIFA World Cup, Messi opened the scoring with a thunderous strike before adding two more goals to complete the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career.
The treble also took his tally to 16 World Cup goals, drawing him level with German great Miroslav Klose at the top of the men's all-time scoring charts.
The hat trick capped a remarkable evening for Messi, who once again proved decisive on football's biggest stage as Argentina launched the defence of their world title with a commanding victory.
Despite adding another record to his collection, Messi preferred to reflect on the journey rather than the achievement itself.
"It makes me very happy to have lived through everything that came my way. What I'm experiencing now is the cherry on top," he said.
"I'm very happy and grateful for this wonderful group. I am enjoying it so much."
'MAYBE THE BEST PLAYER OF ALL TIME'
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni could only marvel at another memorable display from his captain. "I am at a loss for words about Leo. What can I say?" Scaloni said. "He's incredible."
"What makes the difference is they have a player who doesn't forgive," Algerian defender Aissa Mandi said of Messi. "Almost every chance ends up in the back of the net.
"He's a player, maybe the best player of all time, so that's his efficiency, and it's formidable. We knew it, we tried to limit him as much as possible, but it didn't work."
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
