Scaloni in tears embraces Messi as he's substituted off

In the first group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0, with Argentina captain Messi scoring a hat-trick and becoming the absolute star of the match. This night was not only about goals and victory, but also became a moment of complete emotional outpouring for head coach Scaloni.

According to on-site footage, although this scene was not shown in the official broadcast, a camera captured that when Messi was replaced by Paz in the second half, Argentina coach Scaloni clearly lost control of his emotions, with tears in his eyes, greeting Messi on the bench and embracing him affectionately.

Messi's hat-trick in this match also made him the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16 goals, tied with German legend Klose as the record holder.

Scaloni made no secret of his affection and respect for Messi after the match, stating: "I have no words to describe him. I hugged him, kissed him, and told him I loved him very much, because I really don't know what else to say to him. Besides his goals, what is even more amazing is the energy he conveys. The day he retires, we will all miss him very much. The only thing we can do now is to enjoy every moment he is still on the field, that is the most important thing."

The world champion coach has shown emotional fluctuations in public on many occasions, and was previously filmed shedding tears in the documentary "Scaloni's Method." This was not the only person who lost emotional control.

Messi himself also showed emotional fluctuations during the match. After scoring his first goal, he was also seen with tears in his eyes. At the post-match press conference, he explained his reaction: "This has nothing to do with football at all. I've had some difficult days recently, but I am very grateful to the entire team and my teammates, who have always been by my side supporting me and giving me strength."

After the match, many members of the Argentine team, including Scaloni, also expressed their admiration for Messi, generally believing that "there are no words to describe him anymore."

After this match, the Argentine team's morale was high, and they began their FIFA World Cup journey with a resounding victory.