Lionel Messi Admitted he felt he had “let the team down” after missing a first-half penalty against Egypt but played a decisive role in Argentina’s comeback to reach the final fifa world cup Quarterfinals. The defending champions were on the verge of elimination after falling behind 2-0 in the 67th minute of the last 16 match. However, goals from Cristian Romero, Messi and Enzo Fernandez within 13 minutes completed a stunning comeback in a dramatic 3-2 victory. Messi’s missed penalty earlier in the game could prove costly. The Argentina captain had his penalty denied by Egyptian goalkeeper Mustafa Schobel, the fourth non-penalty shootout miss of his World Cup career and the most by a player in World Cup history. Reflecting on the post-match emotional rollercoaster, Messi admitted he was deeply frustrated by the mistake and worried he had let his teammates down. “Yeah, it’s definitely a relief, a relief for everyone. As I just said, I was really angry about missing the penalty and the way I played. I felt like I let the team down in a big moment and luckily God had something special for me again at the end. Stuff. It’s a big relief and a huge happiness for us that I was able to score the equalizing goal and for these guys to be here again and show every day what this is, what we are as Argentines and the pride it brings us, it’s nothing but joy.“ Messi also praised Argentina’s fighting spirit, saying the team’s refusal to give up had once again helped them get through a difficult period. “I’ve said it many times and I repeat it often. This is a competitive team that always gives its best, never gives up, never puts down its weapons.” Argentina endured a frustrating opening hour as Egypt beat the favorites with Yasser Ibrahim’s header in the 15th minute. Messi’s penalty was then saved by Schobel, who then made more outstanding saves to deny Alexis McAllister and Julian Alvarez. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also hit the crossbar with his free kick, with Argentina trailing 1-0 at the break. Egypt thought they had doubled their advantage early in the second half through Mostafa Ziko, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review. In the 67th minute, Zico completed a quick counterattack with an excellent counterattack, and the Pharaohs finally rewritten the score to 2-0. Mohamed Salah and Haitham Hassan. Argentina responded in stunning fashion. Romero sparked a reversal in the 79th minute when he headed in Messi’s free-kick, and four minutes later the captain equalized with a fierce shot from outside the penalty area that went off the goalkeeper’s glove and under the crossbar. With minutes left in overtime, Fernandez completed the comeback in stoppage time, firing a low shot into the bottom corner to send Argentina into the quarter-finals, where they will face Switzerland on July 12.
