Messi’s Emotional Hat-Trick in World Cup Opener
After Lionel Messi netted the opening goal of his memorable hat-trick during Argentina’s World Cup opener on Tuesday night, tears streamed down his face as he pressed his jersey against his eyes.
Many might have expected this emotional response from the 38-year-old, considering it could be his final World Cup appearance. But Messi’s reaction was more complex, filled with feelings that appeared beyond the sport itself.
“Tears after the first goal? I was having a tough time. It had nothing to do with football. Those feelings were because of that,” Messi shared in Spanish following the 3-0 victory against Algeria. He also expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaching staff, and national team.
He chose not to go into detail about the “tough days” leading up to his sixth World Cup, although his performance was made even more poignant by the presence of his family—his wife Antonella Roccuzzo and their three sons.
Though Messi had been managing a mild hamstring injury before the tournament, he played with a commanding presence that night, leaving spectators unaware of any lingering pain.
The performance solidified his status, tying him with Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the most goals in World Cup history, and making him the second player ever to score in five different tournaments.
“I’m very happy to have overcome everything that happened to me. It’s great to be alive right now,” he remarked.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, added his second goal in the 60th minute, and completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Receiving a standing ovation after his leading goal, he is now positioned for at least two more games in pursuit of a record-breaking 17th World Cup goal.
Reflecting on the experience, Messi noted, “This is my sixth World Cup and I still feel good. Fortunately, I’m feeling good and I was able to win a tough match today. It’s never easy in a World Cup, so it’s important to start the tournament with a win.”
