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Messi's tears fuel Argentina's World Cup drive: 'This group never gives up.'

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Lionel Messi's emotional reaction after Argentina's comeback victory against Egypt in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 highlighted his significance to the team.
  • Messi, who scored a goal and provided an assist, expressed relief and joy, emphasizing the team's resilience in overcoming a two-goal deficit.
  • Teammates and coach praise Messi's leadership and inspirational role, underscoring the collective effort to support him and pursue a second World Cup title.

Lionel Messi's tears after Argentina's dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 resonated deeply, prompting a nation to share in his emotion. The Albiceleste, trailing by two goals with 15 minutes remaining, rallied thanks to their star player, who contributed a goal and an assist.

It was a bit of joy, relief, because we wanted to continue being here and it couldn't end today, we didn't want to go out.

— Lionel MessiExplaining his emotional reaction after Argentina's comeback victory against Egypt.

"It was a bit of joy, relief, because we wanted to continue being here and it couldn't end today, we didn't want to go out," Messi explained, visibly moved. He proudly declared, "This group is crazy, it's not easy to come back from 2-0, but as I always say, this group never gives up."

This group is crazy, it's not easy to come back from 2-0, but as I always say, this group never gives up.

— Lionel MessiPraising the team's resilience after overcoming a two-goal deficit.

Despite sometimes appearing to walk the field and occasionally missing penalties, Messi's enduring brilliance on the left foot and his dribbling ability remain potent. His aura in his home country transcends his on-field performance. "He is our balance, our guide, our leader," said attacking partner Lautaro Martinez, who carried Messi in triumph after the Egypt match. "Seeing him so emotional at the end... I let him have that moment because he deserved it." Martinez vowed to "continue to give everything for him."

He is our balance, our guide, our leader.

— Lautaro MartinezDescribing Lionel Messi's importance to the Argentine team.

Coach Lionel Scaloni, a former teammate, echoed the sentiment. "We try to help him, support him, be by his side at all times," said Julian Alvarez. Scaloni added, "These young players look at him and can't believe their eyes. I told them to take him as an example." The team's motivation is clear: to win a second World Cup for Messi, solidifying his legacy as Diego Maradona's heir and validating his status as one of the greatest players in history.

Seeing him so emotional at the end... I let him have that moment because he deserved it. We will continue to give everything for him.

— Lautaro MartinezOn witnessing Messi's emotion and the team's commitment to him.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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