Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has revealed that he cried after scoring the first goal in their 3-0 thrashing of Algeria, due to personal reasons.

Messi grabbed his first World Cup hat-trick, as the defending champions won their first fixture in convincing fashion.

After giving Albeceleste the lead, the 38-year-old became visibly emotional.

But the Inter Miami sueprstar said after the game that it was not related to football.

β€œI cried after the first goal, yes… but it was something completely unrelated to football,” Messi said.

β€œI went through some difficult days, but I’m grateful to the entire delegation and my teammates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength.”