Messi's tears and magic lift Argentina in another World Cup classic

Lionel Messi added yet another unforgettable World Cup chapter as Argentina came from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 in Atlanta. At 39, he still changed the game when it mattered most, and his tears at full time showed just how much the moment meant.

Argentina looked finished for long spells. Egypt led through goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico, while Messi missed a first-half penalty and Shobeir kept the holders frustrated. But with Argentina staring at an exit, Messi helped drag them back with one assist, one goal and his usual late-game control.

The turnaround came in a devastating 14-minute burst. Messi crossed for Cristian Romero to make it 2-1, then scored himself with a left-footed strike that flew in off the bar. Enzo Fernandez added the winner in stoppage time to complete one of the tournament’s most dramatic comebacks.

The scale of the comeback was remarkable. Argentina became the latest any team has been two goals down and still won a World Cup match without extra time, and at one stage their chances had been estimated at just 0.6%. That makes the victory even more extraordinary, especially given how close they were to crashing out.

Messi’s influence once again went beyond goals. He now has eight in this World Cup and has scored in six straight knockout-stage matches, a record. More importantly, he remains the player Argentina trust to solve impossible situations, even when he is conserving energy and operating with the calm of someone who seems to know exactly when the match will turn.

The result also has wider implications. England had been hoping for a more favourable route to the final, but Argentina’s recovery means Messi and his side remain the major threat in that part of the draw. With Switzerland or Colombia next, Argentina are suddenly back in the position champions often occupy: not flashy throughout, but relentless when it counts.

This was a reminder that Messi’s greatness is not only about skill, but about timing, resilience and authority. Even in the twilight of his career, he still bends World Cup stories to his will.