(foto: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi revealed why he broke down in tears after Argentina's dramatic comeback against Egypt, admitting he felt he had let his team down after missing a penalty.
Spremljajte Nogomanio kot prednostni vir na Googlu
Dodajte Nogomanio med priljubjene vire v Google News in
prejemajte najpomembnejše nogometne novice med prvimi.
Lionel Messi admitted he was overwhelmed by emotion after Argentina's extraordinary comeback against Egypt, revealing he believed he had let his teammates down after missing a first-half penalty.
The Argentina captain endured one of the most dramatic nights of his career as the reigning world champions recovered from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and secure a place in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals.
Messi had the chance to equalise from the penalty spot early in the match, but his effort was saved, leaving Egypt in front before the Pharaohs extended their advantage to two goals in the second half.
Argentina appeared to be heading for a shock elimination before a remarkable late comeback changed everything.
After Cristian Romero reduced the deficit, Messi equalised in the 84th minute with his eighth goal of the tournament before Enzo Fernández completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time.
Celebrating in front of Argentina's supporters, Messi leapt into the air with a clenched fist before pointing toward the fans inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
After the match, he admitted the equaliser brought enormous relief.
"The truth is, it was a moment of relief for all of us. I was angry about the missed penalty and the way I took it. I felt I had let the team down at such an important moment."
"But thankfully, God had something special prepared for me. I managed to score the equaliser, and it became an incredible relief and an immense joy for us and for our supporters, who show every day what it means to be Argentine."
Following the final whistle, Messi was seen in tears as teammates surrounded their captain before lifting him onto their shoulders in celebration.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni was equally emotional.
"I'm a very emotional person. The players call me a crybaby. I even cried in the dressing room."
Scaloni praised both Messi and his squad for refusing to accept defeat.
"Players feel these moments deeply because they represent their country. It was unforgettable. I don't know if it compares to the World Cup final, but Messi lives for nights like these. He loves football, he loves these emotions, and we want him to enjoy every moment because once your career ends, you miss them forever."
"Sometimes you forget tactics. You simply attack with everything you have. That's what this team did. They never stop believing."
Argentina's remarkable comeback kept their title defence alive and added another unforgettable chapter to Messi's legendary World Cup career.