Kolkata: It was a mighty scare that left Argentina fans with their hearts in their mouths on Tuesday night. It ended in fairy-tale fashion, though, with the God of football coming to the rescue when it mattered the most – scoring the equalizer himself to make it 2-2 after trailing Egypt 0-2 for 67 minutes. Messi magic came to Argentina’s rescue yet again.Thousands of Argentina fans in Kolkata erupted in joy as Enzo Fernandes headed home the winner in added time, helping the La Albicelestes squeeze through to the next round, scraping past a gritty Egypt 3-2. More than a couple of thousand fans gathered at a Gangulybagan ground to watch the match on a big screen. Silence took over as Egypt scored in the 15th minute. It turned into gloom when Messi missed a penalty five minutes later.“It couldn’t have got more exciting or close. A classic display of world-class football by both teams, with Messi finally making the difference with his brilliance. The first half was disappointing,” said Uttam Saha of the Argentina Fan Club that has been screening all Argentina matches at Gangulybagan. “But then, with Messi around, anything is possible. He turned it around with two beautiful efforts, one a goal. In the end, Argentina scored three field goals and didn’t have to depend on a penalty,” said an ecstatic Saha.Techie Souvik De, a Brazil supporter, rooted for Messi on Tuesday night. “I watched the game with a friend and loved the excitement. Egypt played to a plan and executed it to perfection, almost. In the end, they stumbled . They were enough to seal Egypt’s fate on what could have been the night of the biggest upset this World Cup,” said De.Football fan Pawan Israni, a former Kolkatan, watched the game with his friends in Doha, where he is now based. “What a game! Argentina showed why they are the world champions – scoring three goals in less than 15 minutes, right when it mattered the most. But credit should be given where it’s due—Egypt were absolutely brilliant. At 78 minutes of the game, Argentinian fans were staring at a massive upset with ecstatic vibes all across Doha cheering for the Arab team to make it to the group of 16. Egypt deserved more from that performance. One of the most thrilling World Cup matches I’ve watched!” said Israni.Back in Kolkata, a large group watching the game at a Chetla club exploded in celebration as Cristian Romero scored Argentina’s first goal with a header. It preceded more excitement when Egypt thought they had doubled their lead, but VAR ruled it out for a foul in the build-up. The Pharaohs eventually secured a well-deserved 2-0 lead when Mostafa Zico finished off a clinical counterattack.Then followed an 11-minute blitz when the blue-and-white brigade stormed the Egyptian half and scored thrice. “It was surreal and only Messi could have led such a fightback,” said Mintu De, a Chetla resident.At north Kolkata’s Brazil para – Fakir Chakrabarty Lane – the match was keenly followed, with many supporting Egypt. In the end, they had to salute Messi. “It was a brilliant game. But Argentina will face a tougher challenge against England if they reach the semi-final,” said Gopal Das, a Brazil fan.
