Argentina’s epic Egypt comeback sends holders to quarter-finals | OneFootball

Argentina came from the brink to beat Egypt 3-2 at the Atlanta Stadium and reach the quarter-finals, a revival that set off nationwide jubilation and tears from Lionel Messi. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the turnaround briefly lifted the national mood and silenced earlier criticism.

The match had seemed lost and elimination loomed before Messi levelled with a powerful strike, paving the way for a gripping victory.

La Nación hailed “Corazón de campeón”, noting Argentina were down and Messi dragged them back to turn an incredible game around. Coverage dwelt on Messi’s tears as fans and pundits swung between having always believed and admitting doubts, then embraced the players in spirit.

Olé echoed that “champion’s heart” theme, urging supporters to cry, shout and celebrate, adding that resilience is lived rather than taught. It warned never to underestimate the No 10, whose thunderous effort brought parity before the team completed the feat, and argued rivals would need far more to remove the world champions.

Infobae called it an epic remontada. Coach Lionel Scaloni was overcome on public television, praising his group of players and cutting the interview short as emotion took over. Street festivities have not taken off yet and could follow the next match, against Switzerland or Colombia, if fortune stays on Argentina’s side, with advertising continuing to stoke a ritual that peaked in 2022.

The win also emboldened harsher notes of supposed Argentine supremacy. Figures linked to the far-right government’s “digital guerrilla” pushed xenophobic and discriminatory messages at World Cup rivals, with Kylian Mbappé among the targets. Santiago Caputo, President Javier Milei’s chief adviser, wrote that being Black had become a curse, blamed Hollywood and said warnings had been duly issued.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo