Messi in Tears After Leading Argentina's Comeback, Says He Doesn't Want to Go Home

2026 World Cup Key News

(Central News Agency, Atlanta, July 7, Comprehensive Foreign News) Football superstar Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to an epic comeback, shed uncontrollable tears after the match today. Messi admitted it was a release of pressure, and this World Cup is likely to be Messi's last appearance for the national team.

According to AFP, Messi shed rare tears after this incredible Round of 16 match today. The defending champions Argentina trailed their opponent Egypt by 2 goals for most of the game, on the verge of elimination.

The 39-year-old veteran told reporters, "I think it was a release for everyone, a relief. It was really tough to be down 0-2."

Egypt took a 2-0 lead in the first half, and Messi's penalty kick was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper.

However, Messi led the entire team in a full counterattack at the last moment. With 11 minutes left in the game, his exquisite cross allowed Cristian Romero to equalize the score at 1-2. This was Messi's 9th assist in the World Cup, ranking first in World Cup history.

Just 4 minutes later, Messi's powerful shot found the net to equalize the score; Enzo Fernandez scored the winning goal in stoppage time. Argentina scored 3 goals in a row from the 79th minute onwards, narrowly winning and will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals.

"It's not easy to turn the game around like this, coming back from 0-2 down to win, especially with how competitive this World Cup is, no one gives up easily," Messi added.

"That moment was pure joy and relief; we wanted to continue in the World Cup. We didn't want to end today, we didn't want to go home."

Messi scored his 21st World Cup goal in this match, bringing his personal goal tally in this tournament to 8, temporarily leading the Golden Boot rankings. After scoring the equalizer, his teammates lifted him high in celebration.

However, Messi emphasized that Romero's goal was the turning point. He also said, "We were lucky to equalize and win the game in 90 minutes. We've overcome challenges, and what this team has achieved is incredible." (Compiled by Qu Xiangping) 1150708

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