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Argentina looked finished with 15 minutes left against Egypt. Trailing 2-0 in the Round of 16, the defending champions were staring at one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. Then everything changed. Cristian Romero started the fightback before Lionel Messi brought Argentina level, and Enzo Fernandez completed a stunning 3-2 turnaround that sent the holders into the quarter-finals. The remarkable finish instantly became one of the defining moments of the 2026 World Cup, with fans and sporting icons comparing it to some of the greatest comebacks ever seen, including the New England Patriots ' famous Super Bowl LI victory.

Why are fans comparing Lionel Messi and Argentina to Tom Brady 's Patriots?

The scale of Argentina's comeback quickly pushed the conversation beyond football. Across social media, many drew parallels with the New England Patriots' legendary comeback from a 28-3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. That victory became the defining image of the Patriots dynasty led by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Now, Argentina's dramatic escape has entered the same discussion.


Messi's influence sat at the heart of the comeback. With Argentina's World Cup defence hanging by a thread, the captain produced once again, helping shift the momentum before Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround. For many supporters, it was another reminder of why Messi's standing among football's greatest players continues to grow.

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy was among those who saw similarities between the two teams.

“Unbelievable. Argentina just flicked a switch. True greatness,” Portnoy said. “It’s gotta remind so many people of the great New England Patriots teams during the dynasty run.

“Just toying with opponents until it was time to go. Greatness recognizes greatness.”


Another Barstool personality went even further, comparing Argentina's recovery directly to the Patriots' historic Super Bowl LI rally. The obvious difference is that New England lifted the championship immediately after completing its comeback. Argentina, meanwhile, still have more work to do before they can defend their World Cup crown.

Did Tom Brady believe Argentina's comeback was even better than the Patriots' 28-3 rally?

The comparison reached another level when Brady himself weighed in. Widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history, Brady acknowledged how extraordinary Argentina's recovery was after watching the defending champions rescue their tournament.

His response surprised many.

“Yeah, so that might top 28-3.”


Coming from the player who orchestrated the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history, the remark carried significant weight. Brady's Patriots recovered from a 25-point deficit on American football's biggest stage. Argentina's rally came in the knockout rounds rather than the World Cup final, but the stakes were equally unforgiving. Another goal for Egypt would have ended Messi's tournament.

Instead, Argentina found composure when panic seemed inevitable. Romero's goal sparked belief, Messi delivered when his team needed him most, and Fernandez finished the job. The comeback has not secured another World Cup title yet, but it has already become one of the defining matches of the tournament and another memorable chapter in Messi's remarkable international career.