▲ Lionel Messi of Argentina, who scored a hat-trick in the match against Algeria on June 17.
Reports have emerged suggesting that the tears shed by "football god" Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami) after his opening goal—which helped him tie the record for most goals in World Cup history with a hat-trick in the first group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup—were due to his father's health issues.
Messi, the captain of the Argentine national football team, delivered a one-man show with a hat-trick, leading his team to a 3-0 victory against Algeria in their Group J opener at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 17 (Korea Standard Time).
Although Messi performed as if he were in his prime, cameras captured him wiping tears with his jersey around the 40th minute of the first half, shortly after scoring his first goal in the 17th minute.
In a post-match interview, Messi explained the reason for his tears, stating, "It had nothing to do with football. I have been going through some difficult personal days." He added, "I am grateful to the entire national team and my teammates. They have always been by my side and gave me a lot of strength to overcome this."
However, Reuters reported on June 18, citing sources close to the Messi family, that his tears appear to be related to the health problems of his father, Jorge Messi.
Argentine local media outlet Radio Mitre also reported that the elder Messi has been battling an illness for several months since last year and that his health condition has recently deteriorated.
Jorge Messi is known for having taught his son how to play football and for serving as his agent after Messi's professional debut.
Argentina is set to play its second group stage match against Austria on June 23.
(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.