Lionel Messi's incredible hat-trick against Algeria saw him officially become the joint all-time leading goalscorer in the history of the FIFA World Cup. But the moments that followed his 16th World Cup goal weren't merely about rewriting the record books. They were an emotional outpour from the 38-year-old legend, highlighting the very human core beneath the seemingly superhuman statistics.
The tears and the "extra gift"
When Messi hammered home his first goal, the tears in his eyes were a clear sign of the emotion pouring out. However, after the match the captain revealed the tears weren't purely because of the achievement: "I cried after the first goal, yes, but it had nothing to do with football", Messi revealed, "I went through some difficult days, but I am grateful to the entire delegation and to my teammates for always being there for me and giving me so much strength."
Taking part in his record-breaking sixth World Cup, it's evident that Messi holds a profound appreciation for the final chapter of his remarkable career. "I'm so pleased to have lived everything I've lived throughout my career", the superstar commented, "What I am living now feels like a bonus. I am so happy and so grateful for this fantastic group, and I enjoy every second with them."
Just a statistic
Even though he's now overtaken the likes of Brazilian legends Pele and Ronaldo Nazario, the Argentine is as grounded as ever. When questioned about overtaking his childhood heroes, Messi shrugged off individual accolades: "It's an enormous pleasure to be alongside all of them", he declared, "Ronaldo Nazario was one of the best players ever and yet, he is not at the top. So the statistic is only a statistic."
Teammate Rodrigo De Paul concurred with his captain's humble nature: "I swear to God he does not care about it. At all. We're in the room, drinking mate and saying: 'Pay attention, one or two goals left.' He does not know. He does not care."
The home like advantage
The sight of the massive 80,000 strong crowd filling Kansas City Stadium clearly means the world to Messi. "They have shown it again and again, that Argentina is different. I don't know if there were 80,000 spectators, or maybe more", he gushed, "I know they make an incredible effort. That sense of playing at home has given us so much support."
Manager Lionel Scaloni said it best; "I have nothing to say about Messi, he will remain the best in history for all time."
With the biggest individual World Cup achievement to his name, and a tightly knit squad behind him, Messi is playing with a clear, unburdened heart, a fact that can only spell danger for every opponent left in the competition.
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