Messi and Argentina discover the hard way is still a way through

Kansas City: Not even the most pessimistic Argentina fan would have predicted ​the defending champions would need extra ​time against Cape Verde and a stunning late comeback against Egypt ​after cruising through the World Cup group stage with near-perfect authority.

But after two difficult knockout matches, Lionel Scaloni's side remain alive and are already turning their attention to Saturday's quarter-final against Switzerland in Kansas ‌City.

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The dramatic 3-2 ⁠win ⁠over Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday may be remembered as a defining moment if Argentina complete their title ​defence, with Lionel Messi inspiring a remarkable comeback as they recovered from 2-0 down with 11 minutes ​remaining.

"It's very difficult to assess this team. The real assessment is the heart they showed, the determination not to give up," former striker Carlos Tevez said on ESPN Argentina ​after the match.

While the holders have looked less convincing ⁠in the knockout ‌rounds than they did in the group stage, when they cruised ​past Algeria, ​Austria and Jordan, the struggles against Cape Verde and Egypt could ⁠yet prove beneficial.

Argentina have demonstrated a refusal to accept defeat, ​a theme repeatedly highlighted by players after Tuesday's victory.

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"We suffered a ​lot again, but this is the World Cup. Every game is going like this," Messi said. "This group never gives up and keeps trying until the end."

Midfielder Leandro Paredes echoed that sentiment: "We never felt out of it, we never stopped believing... It was a hard blow, but this team will always fight."

The two knockout matches have exposed vulnerabilities, with ‌Argentina conceding four goals in two games after allowing only one in the entire group stage - against Jordan, when Scaloni rotated his side and ​rested several ​key starters.

Still, Scaloni argued ⁠Argentina performed far better against Egypt than they did against Cape Verde, noting that his team created a number of chances in the first half alone, including a penalty missed ​by Messi.

"Until the final whistle, we don't give up on any ball and we keep playing the way we know how," Scaloni told reporters.

Argentina return to training on Wednesday evening in Kansas City, with Switzerland on the horizon.

Scaloni expects another demanding contest against a team he described as having "an incredible World Cup tradition" and "outstanding players" with extensive experience in the tournament.