Lionel Messi admitted he “let the team down” after missing the first-half lead against Egypt before playing a key role in Argentina’s stunning comeback to reach Egypt. FIFA World Cup last quarter. The defending champions looked on the brink of destruction after falling 2-0 behind in the 67th minute of their Round of 16 match. However, goals from Cristian Romero, Messi and Enzo Fernandez in the 13th minute completed a remarkable turnaround with an impressive 3-2 win. Messi’s missed penalty earlier in the tournament threatened to prove costly. The Argentina captain was denied from the spot by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, making it his fourth missed goal at a FIFA World Cup, the most by any player in the tournament’s history. Reflecting on the rollercoaster of a game after the game, Messi admitted he was devastated by the miss and feared he had let his team-mates down. “Yes, it was really a relief, a relief for everyone. As I said, I was very angry because of the penalty that I missed, the way I threw it. I felt that at the time of need I left the team, and well, luckily, God also had something special in store for me at the end. I was able to get an equal goal, a great relief and to show great joy to the people we live with every day, what we live with every day, what we live with every day. The Argentine people, the pride that gives us and there is none, very happy.“ Messi also praised Argentina’s fighting spirit, saying the team’s refusal to give up had brought them back into trouble. “I’ve said it many times, and I repeat it often. This is a team that competes, that always gives everything, that never gives up, never gives up.” Argentina endured a frustrating hour after Egypt stunned the favorites with Yasser Ibrahim’s header in the 15th minute. Messi then saw his penalty saved by Shobeir, who went on to make excellent stops to deny Alexis MacAllister and Julian Alvarez. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner hit the crossbar as Argentina trailed 1-0 at the break. Egypt thought they had extended their lead early in the second half through Mostafa Ziko, but the goal was disallowed after VAR review. The Pharaohs made it 2-0 in the 67th minute when Ziko completed the attack. Mohamed Salah and Haisem Hassan. Argentina responded in a very impressive manner. Romero headed home Messi’s free-kick in the 79th minute to start the captain’s comeback before scoring four minutes later with a powerful strike from outside the area that went through the goalkeeper’s gloves and under the bar. With overtime, Fernandez completed a comeback in stoppage time, finishing last to send Argentina into the quarter-finals, where they will face Switzerland on July 12.