Lionel Messi has revealed that he is going through a difficult time in his personal life after scoring his first World Cup hat-trick against Algeria.
The Argentinian broke down in tears after curling home a stunning strike to open the scoring just 17 minutes into the match.
Messi, who turns 39 in a week, dazzled as Argentina tossed aside Algeria in a 3-0 victory in Kansas City.
He had the ball in the net four times – his first ‘goal’ was ruled out for offside – and each goal reminded the world that he is still among the very best.
Watched by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children, Messi proved that he is in town to add to the World Cup he won in 2022.
Opening up on his personal struggles after the game, he said: ‘The truth is, it’s something completely unrelated to sports.
Lionel Messi broke down in tears after scoring the first of his three goals against Algeria
He was watched by his wife and three children and revealed that he is going through some personal struggles
Messi’s childhood sweetheart Antonela Roccuzzo has supported him throughout his career
‘I had some difficult, complicated days, but I’m grateful to the entire delegation, to all my teammates because they were always by my side, as always, giving me a lot of strength to be okay, and that’s all.’
He did not elaborate on his difficulties but instead spoke of an ‘amazing’ experience on what was his 200th cap for Argentina.
Messi drew level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup scorer charts, with 16 goals.
‘Like I say, everything I’m experiencing now is amazing. I was lucky enough to achieve all my dreams, at a level, or even more, than I could have reached individually and as part of a team.
‘Today I’m enjoying this, being part of a wonderful group, feeling good, and thankfully, being able to enjoy it on the field the way I’ve always loved to.
‘And honestly, everything I’ve experienced is so much more than I could have imagined when I was a kid.’
Messi also revealed that he feels an affinity with retired tennis superstar Rafael Nadal.
‘I love playing football, it’s been my passion since I was little, and when I’m feeling good I give it my all. We’re watching Rafa Nadal’s series now and I identify with him a lot,’ he said.
‘I think we’re very similar in that sense, that I always want to give my best, I always want to feel good and I enjoy it that way, and well, as long as I can and I’m fit to do it, I’ll do it.’
