Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp made an emotional comment about Lionel Messi following Argentina’s round-of-16 match against Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After the final whistle, Messi couldn’t hold back his tears. Klopp thinks the striker’s emotions stemmed not only from Argentina’s advance to the next round but also from realizing the magnitude of what had just happened.
«He’s looking at the magical thing he has done again for the Argentine national team, he didn’t just cry because they won the game but because he created a historic comeback for his nation at the World Cup,» Inside Reality Football cited Klopp as saying on X.
According to the German manager, Messi’s reaction was especially moving given his age and everything he has already done for world football.
«Seeing Messi share tears at the end of the game is emotional and heartbreaking at this point, you don’t see anyone doing it in world football right now at his age,» Klopp noted.
He also emphasized the 39-year-old Argentine’s place in football history. Klopp said Messi’s performance against Egypt was further evidence of his unique status.
«You just have to admit the fact that he’s the greatest footballer in the world before and now in the history of sport,» the football manager said.
It was a mixed performance from Messi, but it ultimately became one of the tournament’s most memorable displays. He missed a first-half penalty and hit the post from a direct free kick before playing a key role in Argentina’s comeback after halftime. His delivery set up Cristian Romero‘s goal in the 79th minute, before he rifled home the equalizer four minutes later to make it 2-2.
Argentina sealed the victory in stoppage time as Lautaro Martínez delivered a cross from the right and Enzo Fernández scored with a header, sending the defending champions into the quarterfinals to face Switzerland.
