There’s just something about Atlanta being involved that produces history-making comebacks. Just ask the New England Patriots, and now, Argentina.
Argentina staged one of the most historic comebacks in World Cup history on July 7 in Atlanta, storming back from a 2-0 deficit and scoring three goals in the final 15 minutes to stun Egypt and earn a trip to the quarterfinals. The dramatic win immediately becomes one of the most incredible comebacks in sports history, right up there with the Patriots’ 28-3 comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI.
The sports world immediately made the comparisons to the Patriots’ record-making overtime win (that one took place in Houston), and even Tom Brady was ready to hand over the title of most improbable win.
Tom Brady Gives Argentina Props After Wild World Cup Win
“Yeah so that might top 28-3 🤯” Brady tweeted shortly after the match went final.
And just like Brady was the driving force behind the comeback in 2017, Argentina used its own generational superstar, Lionel Messi, to orchestrate its miracle. Messi set up Argentina’s first goal in the 79th minute, and he scored the equalizer in the 83rd minute.
Just two minutes later, Enzo Fernandez played the role of James White, scoring the eventual game-winner in extra time.
There is, however, one major difference between what Argentina did on the pitch in Atlanta and what Brady accomplished with the Patriots against Atlanta. Messi and Argentina aren’t anywhere near done.
The Argentines are off to Kansas City where they await the winner of Switzerland vs. Colombia on July 11. Including that showdown, they still have to win three more matches to be crowned champions, as opposed to the Patriots hoisting the Lombardi Trophy moments after their historic comeback.
Certainly, the defending World Cup champions have momentum on their side, though.
“Having the best player in the history of the sport is a nice card to play, but it’s impossible not to think that his mere presence elevates the rest of Argentina and makes them feel invincible, too,” Ryan Rosenblatt wrote for ESPN.com. “That even down 2-0 with 11 minutes to play, they had something more. They not only could still win — they were going to win.”
If you’re a Patriots fan, that should sound pretty familiar.
Why Brady Loves Argentina, Messi in World Cup
Speaking of being a fan, it’s clear Brady has admired Messi — and Argentina — from afar. The seven-time Super Bowl champion recently gushed about the defending champions’ ability to play together.
“I watch Argentina, and they play so well together as a team,” Brady said on the “Stick to Football” podcast. ” … Messi’s incredible. He’s arguably the best player to ever play the game. But it’s not like every ball goes to him. The ball goes around, and when it comes to him, if he’s got a shot (he takes) it, and if he doesn’t like it, he puts the ball to someone else.
“They all celebrate together. They look like a team, and there are other teams that don’t quite look like a team.”
Tom Brady Thinks Argentina-Egypt Stunner Might Top 28-3 Super Bowl