Rivaldo Lauds Argentina's Fighting Spirit
Brazilian football icon Rivaldo has heaped praise on Lionel Messi and Argentina after the defending champions staged a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The 2002 World Cup winner took to Instagram to applaud the team's grit and determination, describing the match as one that makes football greater.
"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," Rivaldo wrote. He singled out Messi, stating: "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."
Brazilian Rivalry Acknowledged
Despite the fierce South American rivalry, Rivaldo paid tribute to Argentina's performance. "I am Brazilian, I love my country, and I will always cheer for our National Team. Rivalry is part of football, but I also know how to recognise and admire when I see a great match and a team leaving everything on the pitch. Games like this make football greater and are worthy of a World Cup. Congratulations to Argentina for advancing," he added.
Argentina's Dramatic Comeback
Argentina faced a daunting 2-0 deficit after Yasser Ibrahim's first-half header and Mostafa Ziko's 67th-minute strike. Messi had a frustrating first half, seeing his penalty saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, who made several outstanding stops. The tide turned in the 79th minute when Cristian Romero headed home Messi's free-kick. Four minutes later, Messi equalised with a powerful strike from outside the box, and Enzo Fernandez completed the comeback with a stoppage-time winner, sealing a 3-2 victory.
Messi's Record-Breaking Performance
Messi's equaliser extended his remarkable World Cup legacy. He became the first player to score in nine consecutive FIFA World Cup matches and took his tally in the ongoing tournament to eight goals, his best in a single edition. The strike also increased his all-time World Cup record to 21 goals. According to Opta, Messi became the first player to score in six successive World Cup knockout matches and equalled Guillermo Stabile's Argentina record of eight goals in a single World Cup, set in 1930.
Penalty Miss Record
Despite his heroics, Messi also entered the record books for an unwanted reason. His first-half penalty miss made him the first player to miss two penalties in a single FIFA World Cup edition (excluding shootouts), and his four career World Cup penalty misses are the most by any player.
Quarter-Final Clash Ahead
Argentina's victory set up a quarter-final clash with Switzerland as the defending champions continue their pursuit of back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles.
