Leandro Paredes Explains Why Argentina Players Lifted Messi After World Cup Win Over Egypt
- Argentina beat Egypt 3-2 in the World Cup Round of 16 in a comeback Messi inspired with an assist and a goal
- Argentina players hoisted Messi aloft after the final whistle in a celebration typically reserved for trophy wins
- Leandro Paredes explained that the gesture was a show of devotion, saying the squad also plays for Messi personally
Leandro Paredes has shed light on the emotional scenes that followed Argentina's 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the World Cup Round of 16.
After the match, the Argentina players hoisted Lionel Messi into the air at the final whistle in a gesture more commonly associated with lifting silverware.
Source: Getty Images
Messi was central to the turnaround against Egypt, setting up Cristian Romero before converting the equaliser himself as Argentina fought back to secure their place in the next round.
Why Argentina players lifted Messi
Speaking to TNT Sports Argentina, as quoted by Albiceleste Talk, Paredes explained that the moment was driven by genuine affection for Messi rather than any pre-planned celebration.
“Lifting Messi after the game? We wanted to embrace him and make him feel that we'll stay by his side until the very end. For us, having him with us is an enormous added value,” Paredes said.
The midfielder went further, revealing that the squad is deeply aware that Messi could be playing his last game for the national team any time soon.
“We also play for him, because we don't want the day to come when this is his last match with us,” he added.
As noted by FIFA, Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-final after the Red Crosses beat Colombia on penalties.
Messi explained his emotions after the win
Legit.ng previously reported that Lionel Messi explained why he was emotional after Argentina battled to a comeback victory over Egypt.
The captain missed a penalty earlier and was relieved to see his team win the game, exonerating him of the guilt of letting his teammates down.
Source: Legit.ng
