Tom Brady likened Lionel Messi’s late Argentina rally against Egypt to the Patriots’ historic 28-3 comeback, spotlighting a dramatic World Cup Round of 16 win as Argentina scored three times in the final 21 minutes to prevail 3-2 and keep Messi’s knockout scoring streak alive.
Brady frames Messi’s comeback as one for the ages after Argentina beat Egypt 3-2
Argentina overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 in a Round of 16 World Cup classic, with Lionel Messi central to the fightback. The Albiceleste scored three times in the final 21 minutes, Cristian Romero reducing the gap before Messi equalized and Enzo Fernández delivered the winner.
Tom Brady’s comment comparing the rally to the Patriots’ 28-3 Super Bowl comeback amplified the global reaction.
How the game swung in Argentina’s favor
Egypt stunned Argentina early, opening the scoring in the 15th minute and defending resolutely for much of the match. The African side doubled the lead in the 67th minute and looked to be on course for a famous victory. Argentina’s goalkeeper and defense came under sustained pressure, but the contest turned dramatically late.
Key moments: Romero, Messi and Enzo Fernández
Cristian Romero sparked hope with a goal in the 79th minute. Four minutes later Lionel Messi — already the heartbeat of Argentina’s attack — produced the equalizer, extending his run of scoring in World Cup knockout matches. Enzo Fernández then found the decisive strike to complete the comeback and send Argentina through.
Egypt’s performance and Mostafa Shoubir’s outing
Egypt and goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir can leave with credit; Shoubir made several important saves, including denying Messi from the spot, and kept his team competitive until the late collapse. The result will sting, but Egypt’s defensive discipline and counter threat were on display for much of the tie.
Why Brady’s comparison resonated — and where it falls short
Tom Brady’s tweet resonated because both moments share improbability and drama: a favored side clawing back from a deep deficit on a global stage. The comparison is evocative rather than literal — football’s continuous clock and the World Cup’s knockout pressure create a different psychological landscape than an NFL fourth-quarter comeback. Still, the Brady-Messi juxtaposition captures how this match will be remembered worldwide.
What this means for Argentina and Messi’s legacy
This comeback reinforces Argentina’s resilience and Messi’s status as a decisive tournament leader. Scoring in successive World Cup knockout matches underlines his unique consistency on the biggest stage. For Argentina, the win injects belief and momentum heading into the quarterfinals; the team has shown it can grind through adversity and rely on its talisman.
Implications for Egypt and next steps
Egypt exits with tangible positives: tactical organization, a standout goalkeeper performance, and the knowledge they pushed a top nation to the brink. The experience should sharpen their competitive edge moving forward. For Argentina, the challenge is to convert this emotional high into tactical clarity against tougher opposition later in the tournament.
Bottom line
Argentina’s late surge against Egypt was a World Cup spectacle — the kind of match that reshapes narratives and amplifies individual legacies.
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New York Post
