Messi delivers another stunning World Cup performance

Lionel Messi stood in the centre of Atlanta Stadium in tears, sobbing on the shoulders of his team-mates, after adding another remarkable World Cup victory to his storied career. Argentina's iconic player had been captured on the giant screens, looking up in despair as the holders trailed Egypt 2-0 with less than 20 minutes remaining. At that point, any tears Messi may have shed would have mirrored those of his great contemporary, Cristiano Ronaldo, who made an emotional farewell to the World Cup after Portugal's injury-time loss to Spain.

However, this defiant Argentina squad refused to accept defeat — scoring three goals in 14 minutes, achieving one of the most extraordinary comebacks in World Cup history. Messi, 39 years old and mostly operating at a walking pace these days, demonstrated that the magic of his playing ability had not been diminished over the years. Messi observes. Messi waits. Messi saves his energy for critical moments. While his body may be slower, his mind remains sharp. The genius is enduring.

He proved this again in spectacular fashion during this thrilling World Cup match, lifting Argentina from the brink just as Egypt seemed poised to add to this tournament's surprises. Egypt initially took the lead with goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico— the latter having an earlier goal disallowed by the video assistant referee due to a foul at the other end of the pitch. Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir also displayed exceptional skill, notably saving a first-half penalty from Messi—the fourth of eight spot-kicks Messi has failed to score in World Cup play.

Yet there remained time for Messi to create game-altering moments that rescued Argentina from a World Cup exit, leading to joy reminiscent of their triumph in Qatar nearly four years ago. With only 11 minutes left, he crossed for Cristiano Romero to provide Argentina with a fighting chance via a header. Just over four minutes later, Messi unleashed a left-footed shot that flew high past Shobeir and rattled off the bar into the net. Egypt had fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to Enzo Fernandez's header in stoppage time—a heartbreaking end for them.

From despair to exultation, Messi found himself hoisted high by his team-mates, in front of supporting Argentina fans, who continued to celebrate long after the final whistle. This performance exemplified why Messi's teammates readily sacrifice for one another, knowing the master waits to deliver in World Cup matches. If Argentina had lost, would Messi have exited the World Cup for good? At 43, he would have been the oldest outfield player to ever participate, though the opportunity to play in his homeland might have tempted him to continue. Instead, Messi now anticipates a quarter-final matchup here against either Switzerland or Colombia.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, watching from Atlanta for BBC Radio 5 Live, commented: "That was incredible. Spectacular. Argentina were down and out at one stage. Egypt felt frustrated by refereeing calls against them. After scoring their second goal, one had already been disallowed for an infringement. Then Lionel Messi just stepped in and took control. Beautiful assist, great finish on his goal, and then the substitutions worked for Argentina."

Argentina's comeback was not solely attributed to Messi, as there are ripple effects for England, hoping to reach their first men's World Cup final since 1966. England would have faced Norway in the quarter-finals, and then potentially Egypt, Switzerland, or Colombia in the semi-finals had they advanced. However, Messi and Argentina remain a looming threat should they overcome the formidable Norwegians. Despite advancing years, Messi casts a colossal shadow over any rival, as Egypt learned all too well. He became the first player in World Cup history to score in six consecutive knockout-phase matches, now boasting eight goals in this tournament—the most by any player in the first five games since Gerd Muller netted 10 for West Germany in 1970. He has contributed to 16 goals in his last nine World Cup matches, comprising 13 goals and three assists. England will have to contend with his capacity to add to that tally as he appears ready to do so.