The real reason Lionel Messi cried after scoring a Hat-Trick

The 38-year-old forward was the star of the match at Kansas City Stadium, scoring all three goals to help Argentina begin its campaign to defend the World Cup title in impressive fashion.

After netting his first goal, many fans noticed Messi appearing emotional and wiping away tears, sparking widespread speculation about what had caused the reaction.

Speaking to the media after the match, Messi explained that his emotions had nothing to do with setting a new milestone by becoming the first player to appear in six FIFA World Cups.

“I have been going through some difficult moments in my personal life,” Messi said. “The reason I cried had nothing to do with football. I am very grateful to my teammates and everyone around me because they stayed close to me and gave me the strength to keep going.”

The hat-trick also saw Messi reach 16 World Cup goals, matching the tally previously held by German legend Miroslav Klose.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said words fail him when trying to describe Messi’s brilliance, insisting that the veteran forward remains the best player in the world despite his age.

“Messi has been doing things like this for more than 20 years,” Scaloni said. “It’s not only Argentinians who admire him football fans everywhere want to watch him play. What he continues to bring to the game is extraordinary.”

Scaloni added that as long as Messi has the desire to continue playing, he will remain one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen.

Following the victory over Algeria, Argentina will continue its group-stage campaign against Austria before concluding the first round against Jordan.