Yassine Bounou, the Moroccan national team goalkeeper, spoke admiringly about Argentine captain Lionel Messi, praising the personality and fighting spirit he showed during the match against Egypt in the World Cup round of 16, stressing that Leo set a great example of how to overcome difficult moments and lead his team.

Egypt was leading 2-0 until the 79th minute, before Messi made an assist and scored a goal, then Enzo Fernández added the third goal for Argentina to win 3-2.

Bounou said about Messi, in statements carried by the Moroccan newspaper 'Al-Batoul': 'Honestly, I see him playing with a big heart, and this is what distinguishes the Argentine player to some extent.'

He added: 'I really liked the spirit that Messi showed in the last match. We saw how, after missing a penalty, he came back to show his character, and carried the entire team on his shoulders.'

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The Atlas Lions goalkeeper added: 'This shows that we see another Messi; a liberated Messi, a Messi with completely different energy, and this highlights the true value of the player he is.'

Bounou continued: 'It is a matter of pride and pleasure to be able to see him play even now at this age, knowing that he is still performing miracles. I congratulate him, and I congratulate all the players and my friends in the Argentine national team, and I wish them the best always.'

Morocco bid farewell to the World Cup in the quarter-finals, after losing to France 2-0 yesterday, Thursday, at the Boston stadium.