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Yassine Bounou, Morocco's goalkeeper, praised legend Lionel Messi after he led Argentina to a 3-2 comeback win over Egypt, describing him as a "remarkable player."

Bounou's surprising comments came after Morocco's exit from the World Cup quarter-finals following a 2-0 loss to France on Thursday.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper said in an interview with Argentine radio station DSports: "I liked the fighting spirit Argentina showed in the last match, especially what Lionel Messi did. He is an unbelievable player."

Photo of the interview

He added: "After missing the penalty, Messi was able to regain his focus, and despite his age, he showed his character and carried the team on his shoulders. He is a great player."

He continued: "This shows that we are facing a different Messi; one who plays without pressure, a Messi with different energy, and that is what makes him the player he is. It is a pleasure that we can still watch him at this age, continuing to achieve miracles."

He concluded: "I congratulate him, and I congratulate all the friends I know in the Argentine national team, and I always wish them success."

It is worth noting that Bounou was aiming to lead Morocco to the semi-finals of the World Cup for the second consecutive time, repeating the achievement he made in the previous World Cup in 2022 in Qatar, where they became the first Arab and African team to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

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