Toni Kroos on the claims that Argentina robbed Egypt at the World Cup:
🗣️ "I don't understand why people always look for excuses after a result like this. Football is decided over 90 minutes, not by one moment. Egypt played an excellent first half, but after going 2–0 up they lost control of the game, and Argentina took advantage. That's what top teams do.
"People keep talking about the referee and VAR, but if you watch the match objectively, Argentina's comeback was built on their intensity, quality, and mentality. They believed until the final whistle, while Egypt couldn't maintain the same level they showed early on.
"You can't throw away a two-goal lead against one of the best teams in the world and then reduce everything to one decision. Football is much more complex than that.
"There will always be debates about refereeing, and that's normal. But saying the match was 'stolen' or that the tournament is being handed to Argentina is unfair to every player on the pitch. The players decide games with their performances, not conspiracy theories.
"The difficult thing after defeat is accepting that the opponent was better in the decisive moments. Argentina deserved credit for the way they responded under pressure, and Egypt should be proud of their performance while also learning from the mistakes that cost them. That's football."
Zinedine Zidane on 🇦🇷 Argentina eliminating Egypt and reaching the World Cup quarter-finals after an incredible comeback from 0-2 under Lionel Messi’s leadership:
🗣️ “This is what legends do. When Argentina were 2-0 down, when the world thought they were finished, they found something inside themselves that only great teams possess. They showed heart, character, and the mentality of champions. They refused to accept defeat.”
“Lionel Messi once again showed why he is a player from another level. Leadership is not only about scoring goals—it is about inspiring belief when everything looks impossible. His presence, his mentality, and his ability to lift his teammates changed the entire game. Argentina followed their captain into battle, and they created a night they will never forget.”
“Egypt deserve enormous respect. They pushed Argentina to their absolute limit and showed incredible courage. But this is the cruelty and beauty of football. One moment can decide everything, and Argentina found those moments when their backs were against the wall.”
“Coming back from 0-2 in a World Cup knockout match is not just a victory—it is a statement. Argentina have shown the world that champions are not the teams that never suffer; they are the teams that suffer, fight, and rise again. Tonight belongs to Messi, to Argentina, and to a team that refused to let their dream die.”
👏 El gran elogio de Rivaldo a Messi y a Argentina
🤝 "Soy brasileño, amo a mi país y siempre estaré apoyando a nuestra selección. La rivalidad es parte del fútbol, pero también sé reconocer y admirar cuando veo un gran partido y un equipo dando todo en el campo"
🐐 "Hablar de Messi es llover sobre mojado. ¡Qué jugador!"