By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a stunning late comeback as the defending champions beat Egypt 3-2 on Tuesday in Atlanta to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.
Egypt stunned the world champions early, taking the lead in the 15th minute through Yasser Ibrahim’s header. Argentina had a chance to equalise immediately after Nicolas Tagliafico won a penalty, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved Messi’s spot-kick. Egypt doubled their lead in the 62nd minute through Mostafa Zico, and with 11 minutes to go Argentina looked set for a shock exit.
Then the comeback began. Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute. Four minutes later Messi smashed home the equalizer after a scramble in the box. It was his 21st World Cup goal and a ninth consecutive World Cup game with a goal. Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround with a header two minutes into stoppage time.
Messi finished with 1 goal, 1 assist, 5 shots and 91 touches. After missing the penalty he admitted he “felt that at an important moment I had let the group down,” but said he was grateful that “God once again had something special in store for me at the end”. He broke down in tears at the final whistle as teammates consoled him.
The saviour: Down 2-0 with 11 minutes left, Messi created Romero’s goal and scored the equalizer to drag Argentina back. Coach Lionel Scaloni said “you never write off Lionel Messi, or Argentina”. History maker: The goal took Messi to 21 World Cup goals, extending his lead on the all-time leaderboard. Mental boost: Players highlighted the team’s refusal to give up. Messi said “This group never gives up and keeps trying until the end”. The win is being called a defining moment in their title defence. Next challenge: Argentina now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals in Kansas City and remain the only Latin American team left in the tournament.
Egypt were left heartbroken. Coach Hossam Hassan blamed refereeing decisions and said he would not watch the rest of the tournament.