Barcelona legend Rivaldo could not hide his admiration for Lionel Messi after the GOAT helped fire Argentina into the quarter-finals of World Cup 2026.
Lionel Scaloni’s side looked down and out after going 2-0 down to Egypt but produced a stirring comeback to win 3-2 and make it through to the quarter-finals.
Rivaldo was quick to take to social media afterwards to speak of his admiration for Messi and his performance on Tuesday.
“What a fighting spirit, what a desire to win, what a battle and dedication
from everyone! This is exactly what the fan expects from his team in the World Cup,” he posted on Instagram.
“As for talking about Leo Messi, it’s a given. What a player! At 39 years old, playing his sixth World Cup in his career, he still shows the same passion for the Argentina jersey; he celebrates, he fights, he cries, and once again he is the decisive player.
“I am Brazilian, I love my country, and I will always cheer for the Brazilian national team. Competition is part of football, but I also know how to appreciate and admire when I watch a great match and a team that gives everything it has on the field.
“Matches like these elevate the value of football, and they are worthy of the World Cup. Congratulations to Argentina on qualifying.”
Argentina and Messi now go on to play either Switzerland or Colombia for a place in the last four of the tournament.
