Lionel Messi was reduced to tears after scoring a late equaliser that propelled Argentina into the World Cup quarter-finals in an astonishing comeback against Egypt. The defending champions were trailing 2-0 before Messi struck in the closing stages to level the match at 2-2 in Atlanta, setting up a dramatic passage to the last eight.
The 38-year-old icon, visibly overwhelmed with emotion after the final whistle, had single‑handedly kept Argentina’s title defence alive. Messi’s intervention came when his side appeared to be heading out of the tournament, sparking wild celebrations among the Argentine bench and supporters.
“Messi's late equaliser sends Argentina into World Cup quarter-finals amid Egyptian complaint to FIFA.”
But the result has been mired in controversy. Egypt have made an official complaint to FIFA, demanding an investigation into what they claim were “serious mistakes” and “double standards” by the match officials. The Egyptian federation’s anger threatens to overshadow Argentina’s triumph as they prepare for the quarter-finals.