Coach Scaloni embraces Messi after Argentina's 3-2 victory over Egypt in the World Cup 2026 round of 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, US on 7/7. *Photo: AP*

Following their 3-2 win against Cape Verde in the round of 32, Argentina faced another dramatic match against Egypt. The South American powerhouse created numerous opportunities but squandered them, including a missed penalty kick by Lionel Messi, and found themselves trailing 0-2. By the 78th minute, Argentina's chances of defeating Egypt in regular time stood at a mere 0,6%.

However, Argentina achieved the improbable, scoring three consecutive goals in the final 15 minutes. Messi stepped up, providing an assist for Cristian Romero's header before leveling the score at 2-2 with a one-touch volley that struck the underside of the crossbar and found the net. In the 3rd minute of added time, substitute forward Lautaro Martinez delivered a cross, which Enzo Fernandez headed diagonally into the corner, completing a remarkable comeback for the defending champions.

After the match, Scaloni emphasized that the Argentina captain continues to be a role model for the younger generation. He stated that Messi not only displays exceptional leadership but also an intense love for football at the age of 39.

"After the game, I told the young players on the bench that what they were witnessing from Leo was truly amazing," Scaloni expressed. "He could have given up after the missed penalty or when the team was down 0-2, but no, Leo kept demanding the ball, kept fighting. That gave me goosebumps. I don't know exactly what Messi thinks, but I guess he plays football for moments like these. He loves the ball, he loves playing. To evoke such emotions at this stage of his career is very hard to explain."

Messi scores the equalizer, making it 2-2.

Like Messi, Scaloni was also moved to tears. He admitted that he is easily emotional, which earned him the nickname 'Llorona' (the crybaby), but this time his feelings were beyond his control. "I'm sorry, I can't look up. I'm too emotional. This group of players is incredible," he said, shedding tears during a post-match television interview at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The 48-year-old coach later elaborated on the source of his strong emotions. He stated: "Football has moments like these; that's why I became a coach. When I stopped playing, I wanted to experience these emotions. I suffer on the bench just like everyone else."

Throughout the match, Scaloni was visibly passionate on the sidelines. He stood close to the technical area, urging his players to press and demanding that the game restart quickly when Argentina needed a goal.

Even when trailing, Scaloni maintained his belief that his team controlled the game and praised his players' fighting spirit. "The match was always in our hands, even though Egypt had moments of brilliance," he explained. "They are a strong team, but aside from the penalty, we had two or three clear chances in the first half. If we had been leading 2-0 or 2-1, no one would be saying anything."

Coach Scaloni directs his team during the match against Egypt. *Photo: Reuters*

Ultimately, the Argentine coach affirmed that the victory against Egypt was not solely due to tactical considerations. According to him, when the fighting spirit is high, players instinctively know how to drive the team forward without excessive instruction from the coaching staff.

"Tactics and strategy are important, but without the mental fortitude we displayed today, Argentina would have been eliminated. That's football. There are times when you have to rely on heart, instinct, and a never-give-up attitude," he concluded.

Hong Duy (according to La Nacion)