Pakistani celebrities have flooded social media with reactions to Lionel Messi’s role in Argentina’s stunning comeback against Egypt in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 on Tuesday.
Egypt appeared on course for one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history after taking a 2-0 lead in the 67th minute against the defending champions at Atlanta Stadium.
Argentina responded with a stunning fightback, scoring three goals in a 13-minute spell led by Cristian Romero, Messi and Enzo Fernandez to complete a 3-2 win and book their place in the quarterfinals, where they will face Switzerland on Saturday in Kansas City.
Actor and host Samar Jafri came to Messi’s defence as Argentina were still trailing, downplaying the pressure on the Argentine star. “My boy already has a World Cup,” he said. “Egypt played really well. It’s fine, these small things happen. Losing this World Cup won’t make the trophy disappear from the cabinet. Easy guys, chill out.”
Khaqan Shahnawaz credited Messi’s individual brilliance for keeping Argentina in the tie. “This happens when you have the greatest of all time playing for your team,” he said.
“As long as Messi is playing, there is a chance. I have no issue if you think Ronaldo is the greatest.” He added praise for the scale of the comeback, saying, “The Egyptians had built a pyramid in front of the goal today, and he tore it down. Has anybody done this before for a national team?”
Actor Amar Khan kept her reaction short, posting, “The Joy, They Pride #LionelMessi.”
Danish Taimoor pointed to the bigger picture the win opened up for Argentina, writing, “This comeback could send Argentina to the final.”
Actor Syed Jibran also celebrated the result, writing, “Argentina hangs on….!!! When they need him the most…he delivers! #goat for a reason.”
