Argentina striker Julián Álvarez hailed captain Lionel Messi as "the best player in the world and in history" after the defending champions produced a stunning comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.
Argentina looked on the verge of a shock elimination after falling 2-0 behind against a determined Egyptian side. However, the South American giants mounted a remarkable late fightback in the final minutes. Defender Cristian Romero pulled one back before Messi netted the equaliser, and Enzo Fernandez completed the dramatic turnaround with a stoppage-time winner to send Argentina into the quarter-finals.
Speaking after the match, Alvarez praised Messi's influence and leadership, saying the legendary forward always rises to the occasion when Argentina need him most. He described his captain as "the best player in the world and in history," adding that Messi continues to inspire the entire squad with his performances and determination.
The victory was especially memorable for Messi, who bounced back from missing an earlier penalty. The 39-year-old not only scored the crucial equaliser but also played a decisive role in Argentina's attacking moves, helping his side complete one of the most dramatic comebacks of the tournament. His performance once again underlined why many consider him among football's greatest-ever players.
With the win, Argentina kept alive their hopes of defending the World Cup title and advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will face Switzerland. Despite the scare against Egypt, Lionel Scaloni's side showed resilience and character, qualities that Alvarez believes stem from Messi's unmatched presence on and off the pitch. As the tournament enters its decisive stages, Argentina will once again look to their inspirational captain to guide them closer to another World Cup triumph.
