While the historic comeback of Argentina facing Egypt in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup continues to generate different comments and debates in the football environment, one of the most authoritative voices in the sport decided to put aside any rivalry to surrender to the competitive spirit of the Albiceleste and, above all, Lionel Messi.
It is about Rivaldolegend of Brazil, world champion in 2002, winner of the Ballon d’Or in 1999 and one of the greatest figures in Brazilian football, who used his social networks to send an emotional message of recognition to the Argentine National Team after his agonizing classification to the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals.
The Argentine National Team staged a memorable comeback by winning 3-2 to Egypt after finding themselves down two goals with just 13 minutes left to play in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium from Atlanta, United States. When the situation seemed irreversible, the group led by Lionel Scaloni reacted with goals from Cristian “Cuti” Romero, Lionel Messi and somewhat agonizing Enzo Fernandez to seal a classification that will be among the most exciting of the tournament.
The images of Lionel Messi crying with emotion after the final whistle, they traveled the world and also reached the heart of the Brazilian, where Rivaldo He shared a photograph of the Argentine captain accompanied by a message that quickly aroused the admiration of thousands of fans.
“What guts, what will to win, what fight and what dedication from everyone! That is what the fan expects to see on the field in a World Cup,” wrote the former Brazilian soccer player.
He surrenders to Messi
Rivaldo also dedicated special words to the Argentine star, highlighting that the passing of the years has not diminished his commitment to the Albiceleste shirt.
“Talking about @leomessi is like talking about rain in the wet. What a player! To his 39 yearsplaying his sixth World Cup“continues to show the same passion for the Argentine jersey: vibrating, fighting, crying, and once again being decisive,” he said.
At a time when social networks have been marked by conflicting opinions about the dramatic classification of Argentinathe words of Rivaldo They acquired a special meaning. Coming from a historical figure in Brazilian football, they represent a recognition that transcends borders and rivalries, privileging respect for effort, dedication and sporting greatness.
He is also a former player of the Barcelona made it clear that the historic rivalry between Brazil and Argentina It does not prevent him from evaluating what happens on the field.
“I am Brazilian, I love my country and I will always be supporting our team. “Rivalry is part of football, but I also know how to recognize and admire when I see a great game and a team giving everything on the field.”
Finally, he closed his message with congratulations to the current world champion.
“Games like this elevate football and are worthy of a World Cup. Congratulations to Argentina because of their classification,” he concluded.
Who is Rivaldo?
Rivaldo Vítor Borba Ferreira He is considered one of the best footballers in the world between the late 1990s and early 2000s. Brazil national team conquered the Confederations Cup 1997the Copa America 1999 and the Korea-Japan World Cup 2002in addition to being runner-up in the world in France 1998.
In the 2002 World Cup He joined the historic offensive trident along with Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinhobeing one of the great figures of the tournament with eight scores. His brilliant career was also marked by his time in the Barcelona and for the conquest of Ballon d’Ora distinction that consolidated him among the best footballers of his generation.
Due to this trajectory, his words towards Lionel Messi and the Argentine National Team They have a special weight. Beyond the traditional rivalry between Brazil and ArgentinaRivaldo recalled that soccer also knows how to recognize dedication, talent and emotion when a team refuses to give up, values that Albiceleste demonstrated again in one of the most memorable nights of the World Cup 2026.