Argentina Survive Egypt Scare in Atlanta
Argentina reached the World Cup quarterfinals after a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Egypt on Tuesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The defending champions were trailing 2-0 late in the match before Lionel Messi helped rescue the team with an assist, a goal and another historic performance.
Messi Extends Knockout Scoring Record
Messi scored in a record sixth straight World Cup knockout match and continued his remarkable scoring run on the biggest stage. His late equalizer helped Argentina avoid elimination in what had looked, for much of the match, like a stunning upset by Egypt.
Egypt Build a Two-Goal Lead
Egypt struck first in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim beat Lisandro Martínez to Marwan Attia’s cross and headed the ball into the bottom corner. The seven-time African champions doubled their advantage in the 67th minute through Mostafa Zico, who finished from close range after a counterattack.
Messi Misses From the Spot
Argentina had a major chance to equalize soon after Egypt’s opening goal when Haissem Hassan tripped Nicolás Tagliafico in the box. Referee François Letexier awarded a penalty, but Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir dived left to deny Messi.
More Frustration Before the Comeback
Messi also hit the post while Egypt were leading 1-0. Shobeir later produced another important save to stop Julián Álvarez from close range. Messi’s missed penalty was his second of the 2026 tournament after also failing to convert against Austria in the group stage. Across his World Cup career, he has missed a record four of his eight penalties.
Egypt Have a Goal Ruled Out
Egypt thought they had scored a second goal earlier in the second half when Zico finished a sweeping attack. The celebration was cut short after video review confirmed a foul earlier in the move, and the goal was disallowed.
Argentina Turn the Match Around
The comeback began in the 79th minute, when Messi assisted Cristian Romero to reduce the deficit. Four minutes later, Messi scored himself to make it 2-2 and swing momentum completely back toward Argentina.
Fernández Completes the Late Rally
Just as extra time appeared likely, Enzo Fernández headed in during the second minute of stoppage time to complete the turnaround. It was the first time in World Cup history that a team had won a knockout match in regulation time after trailing by two goals in the 75th minute.
Fernández Praises Argentina’s Mentality
“This is a phenomenal group that never gives up,” Fernández said. “Four years have passed since Qatar, and we’ve come to enjoy another World Cup — and we want to win it again. That’s what we’re aiming for.”
Scaloni Reacts to a Stunning Escape
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was overcome by the result after his players found a way through a difficult match. “I’m so emotional,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “What a group of players, brother.”
Messi Keeps Making History
Messi has now scored in a record nine consecutive World Cup matches, a run that began during Argentina’s title-winning campaign in 2022. Tuesday’s goal was his 13th across that span.
Messi Reflects on the Comeback
“Honestly, I’m just so happy we made it through and about the way we did it,” Messi said. “Things got tough at 2-0, so it was incredibly exciting to turn it around once again. We suffered a lot, but that’s the World Cup for you: Every match is playing out the same way; everything is so evenly matched.
“But as always, this group never gives up and keeps trying until the very end.”
Golden Boot Race Tightens Around Messi
Messi now has eight goals at this World Cup, moving one ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappé and Norway’s Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race. His goal also gave him a two-goal advantage over Mbappé on the all-time World Cup career scoring leaderboard.
Martínez Honors Messi’s Final Run
At 39, Messi is playing in his sixth and possibly final World Cup. Lautaro Martínez said Messi’s emotion after the match deeply affected the squad. “Seeing him get emotional was moving too,” teammate Lautaro Martínez said of Messi’s reaction at full time. “I told him right there on the pitch to enjoy the moment because he deserved it and that we would keep giving our all for ourselves — but above all for him, since this is his last World Cup and he has given us so much.”
Egypt Exit After Historic Campaign
Egypt made history by reaching the round of 16 for the first time and came close to eliminating the defending champions. Their two-goal lead and disciplined defensive display placed Argentina under major pressure, but the late collapse ended their tournament in painful fashion.
Switzerland Await in Kansas City
Argentina will now face Switzerland in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri. The defending champions are trying to become the first team to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil lifted the trophy in 1958 and 1962.
