Messi and Argentina discover the hard way is still a way through
Kansas City: Not even the most pessimistic Argentina fan would have predicted the defending champions would need extra time against Cape Verde and a stunning late comeback against Egypt after cruising through the World Cup group stage with near-perfect authority.
But after two difficult knockout matches, Lionel Scaloni's side remain alive and are already turning their attention to Saturday's quarter-final against Switzerland in Kansas City.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi's penalty struggles continue but Argentina's dream stays alive
The dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday may be remembered as a defining moment if Argentina complete their title defence, with Lionel Messi inspiring a remarkable comeback as they recovered from 2-0 down with 11 minutes remaining.
"It's very difficult to assess this team. The real assessment is the heart they showed, the determination not to give up," former striker Carlos Tevez said on ESPN Argentina after the match.
While the holders have looked less convincing in the knockout rounds than they did in the group stage, when they cruised past Algeria, Austria and Jordan, the struggles against Cape Verde and Egypt could yet prove beneficial.
Argentina have demonstrated a refusal to accept defeat, a theme repeatedly highlighted by players after Tuesday's victory.
Also Read: The World Cup's hidden runners: Referees keep pace with players and pressure
"We suffered a lot again, but this is the World Cup. Every game is going like this," Messi said. "This group never gives up and keeps trying until the end."
Midfielder Leandro Paredes echoed that sentiment: "We never felt out of it, we never stopped believing... It was a hard blow, but this team will always fight."
But after two difficult knockout matches, Lionel Scaloni's side remain alive and are already turning their attention to Saturday's quarter-final against Switzerland in Kansas City.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi's penalty struggles continue but Argentina's dream stays alive
The dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday may be remembered as a defining moment if Argentina complete their title defence, with Lionel Messi inspiring a remarkable comeback as they recovered from 2-0 down with 11 minutes remaining.
"It's very difficult to assess this team. The real assessment is the heart they showed, the determination not to give up," former striker Carlos Tevez said on ESPN Argentina after the match.
While the holders have looked less convincing in the knockout rounds than they did in the group stage, when they cruised past Algeria, Austria and Jordan, the struggles against Cape Verde and Egypt could yet prove beneficial.
Argentina have demonstrated a refusal to accept defeat, a theme repeatedly highlighted by players after Tuesday's victory.
Also Read: The World Cup's hidden runners: Referees keep pace with players and pressure
"We suffered a lot again, but this is the World Cup. Every game is going like this," Messi said. "This group never gives up and keeps trying until the end."
Midfielder Leandro Paredes echoed that sentiment: "We never felt out of it, we never stopped believing... It was a hard blow, but this team will always fight."
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