If there’s one footballer I’ve loved the most—and one adored by millions of football fans around the world—it has to be Lionel Messi.

This happened yesterday. I rushed to finish my office work and hurried home to catch the FIFA Club World Cup match. By the time I turned on the live broadcast, the game had already begun. I didn’t even touch the food I had ordered online. Instead, I warmed up a little milk from the fridge, sipped it, and fixed my eyes on the match. But from the opening minutes, I had an uneasy feeling that this might finally be the day Argentina would lose.

In Nepali politics, the term “jhole” is often used for someone who is fiercely loyal to a political party. In the same way, I have no hesitation in admitting that I’m a proud Messi loyalist.

That said, I hadn’t forgotten how Argentina fought until the very end in previous tournaments and turned impossible situations around. So even when things looked bleak, I kept believing that under Messi’s captaincy and with his unwavering confidence, the match could change at any moment.

At Atlanta Stadium in the United States, Messi looked emotional. Even before the final whistle, tears could be seen in his eyes. Watching him rest his head on a teammate’s shoulder, many believed they were witnessing the heartbreaking end of his World Cup journey. But football has once again reminded us that the story is never over until the referee blows the final whistle.

World champions Argentina were trailing Egypt 2–0 with only 20 minutes left to play. At that moment, it seemed entirely possible that one of the tournament favorites would crash out. Like countless other supporters, I was devastated. Meanwhile, critics of Messi had already begun celebrating on social media.

The pressure on the pitch was mounting, and the worry on Messi’s face was impossible to miss. Seeing him struggle only made me more anxious as I sat there, barely having eaten anything.

Then came yet another unbelievable comeback.

Argentina, staring defeat in the face, scored three goals in the final 14 minutes to snatch a dramatic 3–2 victory. A match that had begun in despair ended in scenes worthy of a Hollywood script.

Now 39 years old, Messi no longer runs relentlessly across the pitch like he once did. But his greatest strengths remain his football intelligence, decision-making, and extraordinary understanding of the game. His ability to change the course of a match in the toughest moments is exactly why he is regarded as one of football’s greatest players.

Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir had been outstanding throughout the game, denying Argentina repeatedly. He even saved Messi’s penalty, increasing the pressure on the defending champions. When Egypt went 2–0 ahead, many believed Messi’s World Cup dream was over.

I, too, had started imagining Messi joining the list of football legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, whose World Cup campaigns had ended in disappointment. But once again, Messi reminded the world why he is one of the most extraordinary footballers to ever play the game.

In the 79th minute, Cristian Romero headed home from a brilliant cross by Messi to pull Argentina back into the contest. Just minutes later, Messi himself curled in a magnificent left-footed strike to level the score. Then, in the dying moments, Enzo Fernández completed the stunning turnaround with the winning goal.

When the referee finally blew the whistle, Messi’s tears had changed. The eyes that had been filled with pain moments earlier now sparkled with relief and joy. His teammates lifted him onto their shoulders as the Argentine fans celebrated a victory they will never forget.

This was more than just another football match. It became another immortal chapter in Messi’s extraordinary legacy. Some matches are remembered not simply for their result, but for the emotions they create. Argentina’s comeback against Egypt will surely be remembered as one of those unforgettable moments.

And finally, I wish Messi and his team the very best for the matches ahead.