Fans went crazy, legends were left speechless, and opponents were gutted as Lionel Messi delivered another sensational performance, leading Argentina to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, inspiring a late comeback to seal a 3-2 victory over Egypt. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner bounced back in style after missing a penalty early in the first half. Egypt were leading by two goals, with nearly 15 minutes left on the clock, when Messi set up the opener for Cristian Romero. Moments later, the Inter Miami playmaker equalised with a brilliant finish, while Enzo Fernandez emerged as the match-winner in stoppage time.
From David Beckham to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, several legendary footballers praised Messi after his impressive show in the knockout clash. French icon Thierry Henry and Brazilian Rivaldo were also awestruck by the Messi magic.
Beckham Calls Messi As ‘Very Special Human’
Beckham, the co-owner and president of Inter Miami CF, shared two Instagram stories after Argentina’s dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 triumph, celebrating the player he spent years persuading to join the Major League Soccer club in one of the biggest transfers in football history.
“This is one very special Human. Not just because of what he does on the pitch but who he is off it,” Beckham wrote alongside a picture of Messi.
In another story, the former England captain shared another image of the Argentine superstar with the caption, “Nothing more to say.”
Rivaldo Impressed By Messi’s Grit and Determination
Rivaldo, a 2002 World Cup winner with Brazil, took to Instagram after Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 victory and applauded both Messi’s leadership and the team’s determination to overturn a two-goal deficit.
“What grit, what a will to win, what a fight, and what dedication from everyone! This is what fans expect to see on the pitch in a World Cup. Talking about @leomessi is stating the obvious. What a player! At 39 years old, playing in his sixth World Cup, he continues to show the same passion for the Argentina jersey: celebrating, fighting, crying and, once again, being decisive,” Rivaldo wrote.
Thierry Henry Hails Messi For His Competitiveness
Reacting to Argentina’s 3-2 victory over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, Henry, while speaking on Fox Sports, reflected on his years as Messi’s teammate at Barcelona and said the Argentine’s competitive fire is unlike anything he has witnessed.
“First and foremost, look at him crying, and how much that means to him and to the team,” Henry said, as quoted by Fox Sports.
“It first reminded us that he’s human; he’s human because he missed some penalty kicks, four out of eight. Then it reminds us again that he’s not human!” he added.
Continuing their title defence, the Messi-led Argentina will face Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-final on July 11.
(With inputs from ANI)
