Lionel Messi ‘didn’t want to go home’ as Argentina comeback stuns Egypt in World Cup last 16

ATLANTA – Lionel Messi said his tears after Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt to reach the World Cup quarter-finals were “a release” in what could have been his final international appearance.

The 39-year-old broke down in a rare show of emotion at the end of an incredible last-16 tie in Atlanta that took the defending champions to the brink of a shock elimination.

“I think it was a release, a relief for everyone. It was an ugly moment at 2-0,” Messi told reporters at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Argentina captain saw a first-half penalty saved as Egypt stormed into a 2-0 lead via goals from Yasser Ibrahim (15th minute) and Mostafa Ziko (67th).

It was already the second time the 39-year-old had failed to net a penalty at this tournament – he fired wide against Austria in the group stages – becoming the only player to miss more than one in any World Cup.

Adding to misses against Iceland in 2018 and Poland four years ago, Messi’s failure to score four World Cup penalties is another record, but an unwanted one.

But Messi also led the late fightback in Atlanta. His cross teed up Cristian Romero to halve the arrears 11 minutes from time before the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner smashed in the equaliser.

Enzo Fernandez completed the comeback in stoppage time to set up a quarter-final clash against Switzerland.

“Turning a match around like that – coming back from 2-0 down – it wasn’t easy, especially given how this World Cup is playing out and the fact that no one is just rolling over,” added Messi.

“It was a moment of pure happiness and relief. We wanted to stay in the tournament. We didn’t want today to be the end, we didn’t want to go home.”

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, too, said he was overcome with emotion.

“I always get emotional. Sometimes the tears come out,” he said. “The tears came in the dressing room too. The boys even call me ‘The Cry Baby’, but I don’t care.

“For all of us who played soccer for 20 years, to feel what we felt today again is incredible. I think most coaches who played soccer become coaches because of days like this, because of those emotions, that adrenaline.”

Messi was thrown into the air by his teammates in celebration after netting his 21st World Cup goal and eighth of this tournament to edge back in front of the battle for the Golden Boot.

However, he highlighted Romero’s goal as the key moment the dynamic of the match changed.

“Today was yet another display of character, coming back from a goal down isn’t easy. That was a really tough blow for everyone,” he said.

“Fortunately, we managed to get that goal. That was the moment, I think, when everyone inside felt it and believed it was possible, that we were going to do it.

“We were lucky enough to equalise and then win it in 90 minutes. We went all the way, it was just incredible what this group achieved.”

Fernandez added: “I want to highlight my teammates – we have a phenomenal group, a group that never gives up no matter the difficulties and adversity. We’re always together.”

Scaloni said he never felt the game had slipped away from Argentina despite Egypt’s two-goal advantage.

“I always felt the game was on our side. Beyond the result, I don’t think the team was playing badly. We had chances,” he said.

Scaloni stressed that the performance marked a significant improvement from the previous round, where Argentina needed 120 minutes to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 and showed signs of vulnerability in a gruelling physical test.

“Against Cape Verde it was worse, we really looked in trouble. Today, even when it was 0-2, the feeling was that at some point we would get a chance and could turn it around,” he said. “Today we played totally different football.”

Argentina will face Switzerland in the last eight in Kansas City on July 11. AFP, REUTERS