ATLANTA (AP) – Lionel Messi was overcome with emotion and cried at the final whistle after Argentina’s stunning two-goal comeback. Beat Egypt 3-2 Moving on to Tuesday world cup Quarterfinals.
Argentina’s three goals came in stoppage time with 11 minutes left in regulation. Messi played directly with his hands or feet in two of those games.
Messi contributed to Argentina’s goal in the 79th minute, assisting Cristian Romero’s header. Four minutes later, he scored a shot past Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobair, tying the game at 2-2.
The crowd at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, dressed in Argentina’s signature blue and white colors, was packed to capacity. And to no one’s surprise, it was Messi who paved the way to victory.
Argentina forward Lautaro Martínez said: “When I saw Leo running and pushing himself more and more every day, I just told him that he deserved it. He is our role model, our guide and someone who will always help us.” “This team is great. We will never give up. We will keep trying until the end.”
Messi’s goal was his eighth in this year’s World Cup, and he came out on top in a fierce Golden Boot race. It also extended his point streak to one. record It has been nine consecutive World Cup matches since Argentina won the title in 2022. Tuesday’s goal was his 13th in nine games.
In the race for the Golden Boot for the first time, Messi played in Tuesday’s match despite France’s Kylian Mbappé and Norway’s Erling Haaland scoring seven goals each. Mbappé won the tie-break with two assists. of england harry kane He also scored 6 goals.
With this goal, Messi moved two goals ahead of Mbappe in the all-time World Cup rankings.
Messi finished second in the Golden Boot race behind Mbappé with seven goals while leading Argentina to the title in Qatar in 2022. In 2014, he tied for 3rd place with 4 goals.
Teammate Julián Álvarez said Messi’s influence on his performance at this year’s World Cup cannot be expressed in words.
“Leo, to be honest, there aren’t many words to describe this cup game,” Alvarez said. “What he’s doing is incredible. We’re just trying to help him, support him and enjoy every moment with him. We also appreciate everything he’s done for us and who he is.”
Whether he wins the Golden Boot or not, Messi’s reputation will never be taken lightly.
“He’s a legend,” Alvarez said. “The greatest player of all time”
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