Category: Sport

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Reuters) — Lionel Messi continues to defy age at 39, leading Argentina to a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16. Despite recent fitness concerns, the Inter Miami star scored his eighth goal of the tournament and provided a crucial assist after Argentina trailed 2-0 with just 11 minutes left.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed zero surprise at Messi’s elite physical form. “As long as he wants to, he will be the best,” Scaloni said, calling his captain a “machine” when he smells danger.

Argentina faces Switzerland today in the quarter-finals. While Switzerland enters the last eight for the first time in 72 years after knocking out Colombia, Scaloni warned against complacency: “There are no easy rivals… They have World Cup tradition, experienced players, and are physically strong.”

With his decisive goal, the midfield maestro became the first player in World Cup history to score the winning goal in two separate knockout stage matches as a substitute, having previously netted the late winner in Spain’s 1-0 round-of-16 triumph over Portugal.

What’s Next?

Spain’s undefeated streak now extends to a spectacular 36 matches. They will travel to Dallas to face tournament favorites France on Tuesday in a blockbuster semi-final clash for a coveted spot in the World Cup Final.