How Lionel Messi and Argentina sent the World Cup into a state of sporting nirvana

 

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their second goal.

Carlos Barria/Reuters

Atlanta —  

Often in life, moments pass us by without even the tiniest handhold to latch onto. Before we know it, they’re gone, and we’re left wishing we’d savored them just a little bit more.

And then sometimes, there are moments you can see before they happen. Moments when you’re able to process their meaning, their greatness, in the nanoseconds before they become reality. A moment when life grants you the ability to fully exist in the spectacular and soak it in.

For the overwhelming majority of the more than 68,000 fans at Mercedez-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday, that moment came when Lautaro Martínez slowed down on the right wing of Argentina’s attack, sized up the scene in front of him and hit a cross.

It’s so cliché, but clichés exist for a reason: It played out like slow motion. The ball floated toward the box, over Egypt’s Yasser Ibrahim and toward the head of Enzo Fernández.

There was enough time to think. Enough time to say to yourself, “Oh my God, they’ve scored.” Enough time to brace for the tidal wave of noise from the blue-and-white-clad supporters jammed into one of this World Cup’s best venues.

Of course, Fernández made no mistake. A headed goal for the ages, completing a miraculous three-goal comeback in 13 minutes to send the Albiceleste through to the quarterfinals with a 3-2 win over the Egyptians.

Argentina's Enzo Fernandez soars to score the winning goal.

Brett Davis/Imagn Images/Reuters

After two days of hand-wringing that this World Cup was ruined by a phone call from US President Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino over Folarin Balogun’s red card, Egypt and Argentina reminded all of us what this tournament is really about. A fighting underdog spirit and the steely resolve of champions came together to create the highest possible drama.

For those lucky enough to be in the building, it is an experience that will be seared into the mind forever. And we were lucky enough to know it as it was happening.

Egypt’s magnificent spirit

Egypt's Yasser Ibrahim scores his side's opening goal on Tuesday afternoon.

Mike Stewart/AP

On paper, Argentina was likely to roll the Egyptians. The talent on display for the Albiceleste makes them potential repeat World Cup champions, something that hasn’t been done in generations. The Egyptians possess one transcendent player – Mohamed Salah – who is a few years past his best.

But as Cape Verde reminded the Argentinians last week, World Cup matches are not won on paper. They’re won with guts and steel and capitalizing on the biggest opportunities.