Brazilian legend Rivaldo showered praise on Lionel Messi after Argentina registered a thrilling 3-2 win against Egypt in the round of 16 clash in the ongoing FIFA World Cup on Tuesday. Messi missed a penalty in the 20th minute as he squandered a chance to equalise after Yasser Ibrahim scored from a header in the 15th minute to give Egypt the lead.

However, Messi was at his absolute best when Argentina needed him the most in the last 15 minutes of the game. La Pulga provided an assist to Cristian Romero in the 79th minute and then himself scored after four minutes to equalise for La Albiceleste. This was Messi’s eighth goal in the competition as he continues to lead the Golden Boot race.

In the 93rd minute, Enzo Fernandez scored the match-winning goal from a header to help Argentina qualify for the quarterfinals and bounce back for the first time while trailing by 0-2 in World Cup finals.

“What grit, what a will to win, what a fight, and what dedication from everyone! That’s exactly what fans hope to see on the field during a World Cup,” the 2002 World Cup winner and Ballon d’Or recipient wrote on Instagram.

Rivaldo hailed Messi for his fighting attitude on the pitch and for making the difference for Argentina.

“Talking about @leomessi is stating the obvious,” Rivaldo wrote. “What a player! At 39, competing in his sixth World Cup, he continues to show the same passion for the Argentina jersey: celebrating, fighting, crying, and, once again, making the difference.”

The former Barcelona star wanted to give credit, where credit is due.

“I’m Brazilian, I love my country, and I’ll always root for our national team,” the former Barcelona star wrote. “Rivalry is part of football, but I also know how to recognize and admire a great match and a team that gives it their all on the pitch.

“Games like this elevate the sport of football and are worthy of a World Cup. Congratulations to Argentina on advancing.”

Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarterfinal on July 11 in Kansas City, Missouri.