Emotions ran high on Tuesday afternoon at Atlanta Stadium, where Argentina’s national team clinched their spot in the quarterfinals with a 3–2 win over Egypt. Throughout the more than 90 minutes of play, fans rode an emotional roller coaster, first with Egypt’s three goals, one of them disallowed, and then Argentina’s stunning comeback, sealing the victory.
Watching every move on the field was Antonela Roccuzzo, Lionel Messi’s wife, who, after seeing the No. 10 in tears and celebrating the win, shared a heartfelt message that thousands of fans could relate to.
© IG: @antonelaroccuzzo“Vamos Argentina 🤍🩵 @leomessi Ya no quedan palabras 🥹🩵🤍,” (there are no words left) the model and influencer wrote on her Instagram. Alongside the message, Antonela posed with her three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, all of them wearing Argentina jerseys. It’s an image that captures their family unity and the pride of seeing their team move one step closer to the coveted Cup.
© IG: @antonelaroccuzzoAntonela’s joy grew even more as she shared one of the team photos, in which the Argentine squad tosses Messi into the air in celebration of the triumph. He can’t hold back his laughter after a match full of challenges that, for a few tense minutes, seemed like it might be the end of the road at this World Cup, but now has them waiting for a new rival.
© IG: @antonelaroccuzzoLionel Messi’s words and yet another record
After the final whistle, the tension weighing on Messi slowly began to fade. His expression shifted from worry to tears that reflected the effort he and his teammates had poured onto the field. “We suffered so much again, but this is the World Cup. I’m really happy that people can keep enjoying this,” said the Rosario native, determined to hold on to his title as World Champion. He added: “It was a relief for everyone. It’s not easy to come back from 2–0 down.”
© Getty ImagesAlongside photos of the team before, during, and after the match, Messi wrote: “This team never gives up. What a crazy game today, once again… this group is INCREDIBLE!!! Vamossss 🇦🇷”. The pride was also evident in Lionel Scaloni, head coach of Argentina’s national team, who could barely put his emotions into words: “I can’t talk. I’m so emotional. What a group of players we have!”
After Cuti Romero’s goal in the 79th minute, Messi scored in the 89th, with only four minutes between them, and then Enzo Fernández turned the game around in the 90th + 3 minute. With that goal, Lionel broke yet another World Cup record by becoming the first player ever to score in six consecutive knockout-stage matches. There are still plenty of chapters left to be written at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and before he retires, Messi is ready to keep smashing records.
