Messi Opens Up About Tears Following Argentina’s Thrilling 2026 World Cup Comeback Against Egypt

Argentina’s campaign at the 2026 World Cup remained gripping as they fought back from a two-goal deficit to beat Egypt 3-2, a match that ended with Lionel Messi in tears after the final whistle.

Messi said: “It was a huge relief for all of us. I was really frustrated after missing the penalty, especially because of the way I took it. I felt like I had let the team down at an important moment. Thankfully, God had something special in store for me in the end. I was able to score the equalizer, and it was an incredible relief and a huge moment of happiness for all of us.”

Although it was not his finest performance in the tournament, Messi recovered from a missed penalty in the 21st minute — with Egypt ahead 1-0 — to net the equalizer late on, before Enzo Fernández sealed the comeback.

Messi Reflects on the Penalty’s Crucial Impact

The team’s hard-fought win over Cape Verde in the prior round — a 3-2 extra-time victory despite leading twice — was not their sole struggle. The Round of 16 presented an even stiffer test, though for Messi, the encounter might have unfolded differently.

Argentina faltered in the opening half, as Egypt dominated possession until the hydration break. Following the restart, the side improved, and a long ball from Leandro Paredes to Nicolás Tagliafico earned a penalty. It offered the captain an opportunity to alter the match’s trajectory.

Messi said: “If I had scored it, the game could have taken a different direction because we were playing well, even after they had scored. We still created some clear chances, like Alexis Mac Allister’s and Julian Alvarez’s, when the goalkeeper made a save right on the goal line. It was all of that together. This team deserved to keep going. In the end, we’re just really happy.”

Messi Shares Reflection on Instagram

While many players rush to social platforms after a major win, Messi paused to absorb the events of an electrifying day. The captain later posted several photos — beginning with the team lineup — and captioned them: “This team never gives up. What a crazy day today, once again… this group is INCREDIBLE!!! Let’s goooo.”

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