Brazil legend Rivaldo praises Lionel Messi and Argentina following the defending champions’ Round of 16 comeback win over Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Multiple reports say Rivaldo highlights Argentina’s fighting spirit and character in the match, where Messi is credited with both scoring and providing an assist during the comeback. The outlets report that Rivaldo shares his views publicly, including through an Instagram post, and that he expresses admiration for Messi’s performance despite Messi’s age, describing him as a standout contributor to the result. NDTV characterizes Rivaldo’s remarks as a reflection on how performances like this elevate the sport. The Daily Post Nigeria similarly reports that Rivaldo rates Messi highly after Argentina’s victory, tying the praise to Messi’s direct involvement in goals during the comeback. Across the sources, the focus remains on Rivaldo’s assessment of Messi’s impact and Argentina’s resilience as they move past Egypt in the World Cup’s Round of 16.