'Messi is a monster': Praise from Ibrahimovic after 3-2 win

'Messi is a monster': Ibrahimovic praised after 3-2 win

According to Championat.

Context

Lionel Messi, who continues to be the main character in Argentina's matches, showed his ability in the crucial moments of the match against Egypt. His assist and goal not only secured the win but also cemented his reputation as a 'monster' on the football field, praised by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. In his current form, he is an important part of Argentina's plan for the World Cup 2026.

Why it matters

Argentina's win over Egypt cemented their position at the 2026 World Cup, with Lionel Messi continuing to show his prowess on the pitch. His contributions in the match, including an assist and a crucial goal, highlighted his ability to affect the game at critical moments. Such performances are important not only for his team but also for his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of football.

Key Points

• 'Messi is a monster': Praise from Ibrahimovic after 3-2 win.
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic hailed Lionel Messi as a "monster" after Argentina's 3-2 win over Egypt in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
• Lionel Messi remains central to Argentina's plans.

A poignant tribute from another legend ended Lionel Messi's night at the World Cup 2026. After Argentina's 3-2 win over Egypt in the round of 16, Zlatan Ibrahimovic described the Albiceleste captain as a "monster" who continues to dominate on football's biggest stages. "Messi became a monster and no one could get close to him. He fought and worked hard. What we saw today is the same monster that we are used to and continue to see," Ibrahimovic said in an interview with Fox Sports. The former Sweden striker added that such level of courage and quality is not new from Messi, who he said is already a world champion, multiple times winner of the highest prize for a player, and has received various titles in his career. "Look at his career: he's had everything, but he's still fighting," added Zlatan.

In the match against Egypt, Messi once again showed why he is still the center of Argentina's game. He delivered a crucial assist in the 79th minute before his own goal followed in the 84th, moments that changed the course of the game and laid a solid foundation for the team's victory. Although the full details of the sequence of goals were not laid out, it was clear that the final stage of the match was Messi's stage—exactly why Ibrahimovic spoke so eloquently of his determination and fight. For Argentina, this kind of awakening in the knockout stage is an important statement: it shows that even under intense pressure, they have a leader and a finisher to rely on in the final minutes. As the defending world champions, every match in 2026 will be measured against the standard they recorded in the previous edition. A tight 3-2 draw against a resilient Egypt was a reminder of how complex knockout football is and why every bit of quality—especially from their captain—is so important. The "monster" praise from Ibrahimovic was not just rhetoric; it reflects Messi's aura in such situations—a player who, despite having achieved the highest honor in world football, continues to scramble for the next step. As Argentina progress, it will be important how the entire team can maintain the rhythm, and how Messi's leadership—in creation, in scoring, and in presence—will once again guide the coming nights of the 2026 World Cup.

What's next

With their success, Argentina will hope to continue the momentum as they approach the next stage of the World Cup 2026. The next few matches will be crucial to their season outlook, and Messi's contributions will certainly be central to their strategy. This victory gives confidence to the entire team as they aim to achieve more success in the prestigious tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score of the match between Argentina and Egypt?

The score of the match is 3-2 in favor of Argentina.

What is the effect of Argentina's win on the World Cup 2026 standings?

Argentina's win is an important statement in the knockout stage of the World Cup 2026.

Who gave the award to Lionel Messi after the match?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave the award to Lionel Messi after the match.

When is Argentina's next World Cup 2026 match?

The article did not provide information about Argentina's next match.

What were Messi's important contributions to the match?

Messi delivered a crucial assist in the 79th minute and scored an own goal in the 84th minute.

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