World Cup 2026: Obi Mikel, Ibrahimovic Hail Messi After Argentina’s Comeback Win Over Egypt

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has questioned Lionel Messi’s remarkable endurance after the Argentina skipper inspired his side to a dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.

Messi scored as the reigning champions fought back from two goals down in Tuesday’s last-16 clash. Cristian Romero and Enzo Fernandez completed the comeback after Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico had put Egypt in control.

Speaking on Fox Sports after the match, Mikel admitted he remains amazed by the 39-year-old’s ability to keep producing decisive performances despite the physical and mental demands of the tournament.

“Argentina is coming through yet another difficult game, where they have been pushed to the limit. How much has Messi played, how much has been taken away from him mentally, psychologically, physically as well,” Obi Mikel said.

“That’s going to be the question as well, how much can he give again to be able to drag this Argentina team yet again to another semi-final.

“That’s going to be the question, but when you have Messi, I don’t know what the guy eats. I don’t know what he eats because every time you think it is finished, he comes up with something spectacular.”

Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic also praised Messi but urged the rest of the Argentina squad to shoulder more responsibility as the tournament enters its decisive stage.

The ex-AC Milan and Manchester United forward believes Argentina cannot continue to rely solely on their captain if they hope to retain the World Cup title.

“If I have to be a little bit critical, his [Messi’s] teammates need to step it up and also help him because he has been on another level,” Ibrahimovic said of Messi.

“If he can carry on and bring it all the way to the final and really take the final pieces. We will not be surprised, but he needs help to be fair.”

Naija News reports that Argentina’s comeback win secured them a place in the last eight, where they will face Switzerland at 2 a.m. on Sunday, July 12.