DistantNews
Support us
Messi's Comeback Seals Argentina's World Cup Quarterfinal Berth
🇸🇪 Sweden /Sports

Messi's Comeback Seals Argentina's World Cup Quarterfinal Berth

From Dagens Nyheter · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Lionel Messi staged a dramatic comeback, scoring twice to help Argentina defeat Egypt 3-2 in the World Cup Round of 16.
  • Egypt had led 2-0 until the 79th minute, with Messi missing a penalty earlier in the match.
  • Argentina advances to the quarterfinals, while Egypt's surprising run ends.

Lionel Messi once again proved his legendary status, orchestrating a stunning comeback for Argentina against Egypt in the World Cup Round of 16. The match, which saw Argentina trail 2-0 until late in the second half, ended 3-2 in favor of the Albiceleste, with Messi scoring the equalizer and setting up the winning goal.

So you miss a penalty, look like you’ve given up, pretend that a magical World Cup story is about to end. And then you bring Argentina back into the match again?

— Johanna FrändénDescribing Messi's dramatic impact on the game.

Egypt, playing in their first World Cup knockout stage, had put in a valiant performance. They took a surprising 2-0 lead, despite Messi missing a penalty in the first half. Their tactical discipline and effective counter-attacks had left Argentina struggling to find a foothold in the game.

It was special, because when Messi missed a penalty after twenty minutes of play in Atlanta, it didn’t necessarily feel like a handicap. More like it would set fire under the Argentinian’s feet, because that’s how penalty misses have worked for him before.

— Johanna FrändénReflecting on Messi's early missed penalty.

However, as the clock ticked past the 75th minute, Messi began his magic. He delivered a crucial assist for Cristian Romero in the 79th minute, pulling one back for Argentina. Just four minutes later, Messi himself found the back of the net with a rebound after hitting the post, leveling the score.

We were probably many who started making mental accounts of Lionel Messi’s World Cup career in about the 75th minute: It doesn’t matter, he’s still the greatest. World Cup king without reaching the quarterfinals. A genius who never ages, but who is entitled to a mediocre performance now and then. In short, a footballer above all criticism.

— Johanna FrändénContemplating Messi's legacy before his comeback.

The dramatic turnaround was completed in the 93rd minute when Enzo Fernández scored the winner, sending Argentina into the quarterfinals. The match highlighted Messi's enduring ability to change the course of a game, even after facing adversity.

Ten minutes is an ocean of playing time in Lionel Messi’s world.

— Johanna FrändénEmphasizing Messi's ability to perform under pressure.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog