Lionel Messi reveals 'relief' after fearing he 'let down the group' with Argentina penalty miss against Egypt at World Cup

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Lionel Messi was in tears after Argentina's 3-2 win over Egypt having missed a penalty before scoring a late equaliser. Speaking after the game, he explained that he was relieved the earlier miss did not cost his side victory in the match.

Messi admits feeling he 'let down the group' after missed penalty in epic Egypt clash

Video credit: SNTV

Argentina came back from 2-0 to win with a dramatic victory that moved them into the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

Yasser Ibrahim scored after a quarter of an hour, with Mostafa Ziko adding another on 67 minutes, while an earlier Egypt strike was chalked off after a foul was committed on the opposite end of the pitch before they counterattacked.

With Argentina trailing 1-0, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was fouled by Haissem Hassan in the penalty box, giving Messi the chance to level for his side.

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However, Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved the effort, retaining the lead for his side, who then went on to score another before they crumbled in the face of late pressure from Lionel Scaloni’s side.

Messi would be on the scoresheet in the end, as part of a three-goal, 14-minute spell.

Cristian Romero halved the deficit with 11 minutes of normal time remaining, with Messi then equalising four minutes later.

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Video credit: SNTV

Three minutes into added time, Fernandez grabbed the winner to complete the comeback.

Messi's goal was his eighth of the tournament, which moved him to the top of the Golden Boot standings.

France striker Kylian Mbappe is behind on seven goals as is Norway's Erling Haaland.

Speaking after the match, Messi said that he was pleased that his penalty miss ultimately did not cost his side the win.

He explained: "It was a relief for everyone. I was frustrated for the missed penalty, for the way I took it. I felt that I've let down the group in an important moment.

”Luckily, there was something special saved for me in the end. I was able to score the equaliser.

"It was a great relief and a huge happiness for us, for all the people who came once again [to support us]".

He praised his team-mates for their mentality in battling through tough matches, with the side having won by the same 3-2 margin against minnows Cabo Verde in the previous round.

Messi continued: "I've said it many times and I'll say it again. This is a group that competes, always giving their best, a group that never gives up, they never let their arms down. That's why we achieved all that we achieved.

”Today, it was a demonstration of character, of pride, of love, of trying. I'm very happy and proud of this group.

"It shows every day that they never stop trying."

Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals at 02:00 UK time on Sunday, July 12.

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