The 'Messi Drama' Begins in the 34th Minute of the Second Half When Defeat Seemed Certain

Argentina staged a stunning comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier, with Lionel Messi at the heart of the dramatic turnaround. The defending champions found themselves trailing 0-2 with just 11 minutes remaining in regular time, a deficit that threatened to end Messi's sixth World Cup campaign.

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The game started with Messi and ended with Messi.

Messi had a difficult start, missing a penalty kick in the 21st minute, which visibly weighed on his expression. However, the tide turned in the 34th minute of the second half when Messi delivered a cross for Cristian Romero to head home, igniting Argentina's comeback.

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Even the 'God of Football' Messi shed human tears after the dramatic comeback victory.

Just four minutes later, Messi himself became the scorer, converting a pass from Gonzalo Montiel with a powerful left-footed shot. The ball rocketed into the net, striking the goalkeeper's hands and the crossbar before crossing the goal line. This goal marked Messi's eighth of the current tournament and his 21st overall in World Cup history, shifting the momentum decisively.

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With only 11 minutes left in regular time, Argentina was trailing 0-2.

The victory not only secured Argentina's advancement but also highlighted Messi's enduring impact on the global stage, even amidst the pressure of a high-stakes match. The team's ability to rally from behind showcased resilience and determination, ultimately securing a vital win.

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Messi's expression grew increasingly grim after missing a penalty kick in the 21st minute of the first half.