Lionel Messi’s Emotional Moment at the 2026 World Cup
Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi, was moved to tears after scoring his first goal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The emotional outburst stemmed from several difficult days he had endured, unrelated to football. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on the player’s feelings. Messi expressed gratitude toward his team, noting that the support from his teammates helped him navigate the challenges:
'Yes, I cried after my first goal. But it had nothing to do with football. I went through a few tough days, but I’m thankful to the entire delegation and my teammates because they were always by my side and gave me a lot of strength.' Fabrizio Romano
Messi’s Hat-Trick and Career Milestones
During the 2026 World Cup match between Algeria and Argentina on June 17, Messi scored three goals, securing his first-ever hat-trick in a World Cup tournament. His first goal came in the 17th minute off a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, with a strike from outside the penalty box that opened the scoring. In the 60th minute, Alexis Mac Allister shot toward the center of the goal; Algerian goalkeeper Zidan failed to hold the ball, and Messi tapped it into an empty net. With 15 minutes left in the match, the Argentine completed his hat-trick, sealing a 3–0 victory.
With these goals, Messi reached 16 total goals across all World Cups, tying German striker Miroslav Klose, who also has 16 career World Cup goals. Messi, now 38 years old, has been playing for Inter Miami in North America’s MLS since 2023. He previously played for France’s Paris Saint-Germain and Spain’s Barcelona, where he won the UEFA Champions League four times.
- Messi is the 2022 World Cup champion
- He was the runner-up at the 2014 World Cup
- He won an Olympic gold medal in 2008
- He has won the Copa América twice (2021 and 2024)
- He holds the record for most Ballon d’Or awards with 8
Messi’s tearful reaction after scoring highlights the human side of a player often defined by his athletic achievements. This moment was not only a reflection of his personal struggles but also a testament to the importance of team support during tough times. At the same time, his World Cup hat-trick stands as a significant accomplishment for an athlete who continues to impress the world well into his later years, reaffirming his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats.
In addition to his emotional moment, Messi achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the oldest scorer for Argentina in a World Cup. This historic feat adds to his already impressive legacy and highlights his enduring talent on the international stage. For more details on this significant achievement, read about Messi's record-setting performance here.