What made Messi cry? Icon explains emotional breakdown during 2026 World Cup debut [Courtesy/NurPhoto via Getty Images]
Lionel Messi marked his 200th appearance for Argentina in spectacular fashion, scoring a hat-trick as the reigning world champions launched their World Cup title defence with an emphatic victory over Algeria.
The 38-year-old Argentine captain opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a superb finish before being swarmed by jubilant teammates.
Later in the match, television cameras captured Messi wiping tears from his face with his shirt, prompting questions about the emotional moment.
Asked about the incident after the game, Messi clarified that his tears had nothing to do with football.
