As reported by GIVEMESPORT, Lionel Messi broke down in tears after Argentina completed a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt to reach the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, with Thierry Henry explaining the mentality that makes the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner so difficult to stop.

Argentina looked to be heading for a shock exit after falling 2-0 behind to goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko. Matters worsened when Messi missed a penalty, just a day after Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional World Cup exit.

The reigning world champions responded in dramatic fashion. Cristian Romero pulled one back before Messi redeemed himself by scoring the equaliser. Enzo Fernandez then completed the turnaround with a 93rd-minute winner, sending Argentina through to a quarter-final clash against Switzerland.

Reflecting on his rollercoaster evening, Messi admitted he feared he had cost his team.

Read also: “That was my last penalty”: Akanji makes vow after Swiss shootout scare

“I felt like I had let the team down at an important moment. But fortunately, fate had something special for me at the end, and I managed to score the equaliser.”

Thierry Henry explains Messi’s unique mentality

Speaking on Fox Sports, Henry praised Messi’s remarkable response after missing from the penalty spot, insisting the Argentine possesses a mentality unlike anyone else.

The former Barcelona forward first pointed out that Messi’s penalty miss showed he is “human,” noting he has now missed four of his eight World Cup penalties. But Henry argued that what happened next demonstrated exactly why Messi is regarded as one of football’s greatest players.

The Frenchman recalled a training-ground incident from their time together at Barcelona, explaining how Messi would instantly raise his level whenever he felt wronged by a decision.

Read also: FIFA makes historic referee appointment for France vs Morocco quarter-final

Henry described how Messi once believed a foul should have been awarded during training before immediately winning the ball back and scoring three consecutive goals, warning everyone: “Next time, call a foul.” According to Henry, once Messi enters that mindset, he becomes “very difficult to stop.”

Egypt accuse FIFA of favouring Argentina

Despite Argentina’s dramatic victory, the result was overshadowed by furious criticism from the Egyptian camp.

Head coach Hossam Hassan accused officials of ensuring Argentina advanced for commercial reasons.

“They want Argentina and Messi to stay in the World Cup for marketing. If they wanted Argentina to win, why invite other teams to participate? This match was clearly rigged, and the whole world witnessed it.”

Read also: “It is not revenge”: Deschamps reshuffles France before Morocco clash

Hassan’s complaints centred on two key incidents: Mostafa Ziko’s disallowed goal early in the second half, which would have made it 3-0, and Egypt’s unsuccessful appeal for a late penalty.

The Egyptian Football Association also released a strongly worded statement condemning the officiating and the application of VAR.

The EFA said it had “serious concerns” over decisions that directly influenced the match and concluded that every player representing Egypt deserved “fairness, respect, and equal application of the laws of the game.”

As GIVEMESPORT highlighted, Argentina’s thrilling comeback has secured their place in the last eight, but the dramatic victory is likely to be remembered as much for the controversy surrounding the officiating as for Messi’s emotional redemption.

Read also: “Brings the world together”: Bieber joins historic World Cup final show

Read also: “Good to test Pogačar”: Tourmalet sets stage for Vingegaard attack