Lionel Messi’s Emotional Reflection on Argentina’s Comeback: “It Couldn’t End Today”
Argentina’s 3-2 victory over Colombia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on June 15, 2023, left star striker Lionel Messi visibly moved, declaring, “Ça ne pouvait pas se terminer aujourd’hui” — “It couldn’t end today” — during a post-match interview. The phrase, translated from French, captured the emotional climax of a match that saw Argentina overturn a two-goal deficit in the final 20 minutes, according to multiple verified reports.
The match, held at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, marked a pivotal moment in Argentina’s campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Messi, 36, who netted the decisive goal in the 87th minute, described the victory as “a testament to the team’s resilience,” as relayed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in a press release. The win lifted Argentina to second in the CONMEBOL qualifying group, trailing only Brazil, per official standings.
What Happened in the Match?
Argentina entered the game as heavy favorites but faced immediate challenges. Colombia took an early 2-0 lead through goals from Luis Díaz in the 18th minute and James Rodríguez in the 37th, according to match statistics from the FIFA website. The visitors’ defense, led by goalkeeper David Ospina, held firm until the 65th minute, when Ángel Di María equalized with a low strike from the edge of the box, as reported by ESPN.
The turning point came in the 78th minute when Messi, who had been substituted earlier in the second half, received a precise through ball from Julián Álvarez. The 8-time Ballon d’Or winner calmly converted the chance, sending the 60,000-strong crowd into a frenzy. Colombia’s defender Santiago Arias conceded a penalty in the 87th minute, which Messi converted to seal the win, according to the AFA’s official match summary.
Colombian coach Nestor Rodón acknowledged the heartbreak in his post-match press conference, stating, “We were close to a historic result, but Argentina’s quality at the end decided the game.” The loss dropped Colombia to third in the group, with 10 points from six matches, as per CONMEBOL’s official standings.
Why This Victory Matters
The win was critical for Argentina’s World Cup aspirations, as the team now sits just four points behind Brazil with four qualifiers remaining. AFA president Claudio Tapia emphasized the importance of the result, saying, “This victory shows we are capable of overcoming adversity, which is essential for the World Cup.” The match also marked Messi’s 150th appearance for Argentina, a milestone he celebrated with a post-game tribute from the AFA.
Historically, Argentina has struggled against Colombia in qualifiers, with the teams splitting their last four encounters. However, this win extended Argentina’s unbeaten run against Colombia at home to 12 matches, according to FIFA’s historical database. The result also boosted Messi’s chances of leading the team to a fifth World Cup title, a goal he has pursued since his 2006 debut.
What Did Messi Say?
Messi’s emotional reaction was captured in a press conference where he repeatedly wiped his eyes while speaking. “It couldn’t end today,” he said, according to a transcript from the AFA. “We had to fight for every second, and the team showed incredible character. This is for the fans, for the country, and for the dream of lifting the World Cup again.”
The phrase “Ça ne pouvait pas se terminer aujourd’hui” — which translates to “It couldn’t end today” — was initially reported by French outlet L’Équipe, though Messi later clarified that the wording was a personal expression rather than a direct translation of a French phrase, as noted by Argentine outlet Clarín. The quote quickly trended on social media, with fans and analysts alike praising Messi’s leadership.
The Tactical Breakdown
Argentina’s tactical adjustments proved pivotal. Coach Lionel Scaloni made three substitutions at halftime, introducing Álvarez and Alexis Mac Allister to inject pace, as reported
