Argentina captain Lionel Messi revealed that he cried intensely after the final whistle of the Egypt-Argentina match, realizing the immense weight of responsibility on his shoulders after missing a first-half penalty in the 2026 World Cup round of 16.
Egypt had taken an early lead through Yasser Ibrahim in the 14th minute. Just five minutes later, Argentina was awarded a penalty, but Messi’s spot-kick was sensationally saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
The Pharaohs then doubled their lead and came agonizingly close to eliminating the reigning world champions. However, Messi turned the game around by assisting one goal and scoring another, before Enzo Fernández delivered the match-winner in the 91st minute.
Messi Explains Post-Match Tears and Emotional Relief
Immediately after the final whistle, Messi burst into tears. Explaining his emotions, the 38-year-old icon said: “I cried because I felt I had let my teammates down when I missed the penalty and because of the way I struck it.”
He added, “But fortunately, once again, God granted me something special in the end. I am incredibly happy.”
He continued: “We did not want and did not deserve to go home now. It made no sense for things to end this way.”
The Inter Miami star concluded: “This group deserves to continue in the World Cup. We never give up, and we never will.”
By the end of the match, Messi had extended his legendary status, reaching 21 all-time World Cup goals and becoming the top assist provider in tournament history with 9 assists.
