Messi's Comeback Masterpiece
Messi-led Argentina mounts stunning 3-2 comeback against Egypt, reaching World Cup quarter-finals.
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Key Points
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Egypt opened the scoring when Yasser Ibrahim headed home from Marwan Attia's corner in the 15th minute, jolting Argentina early and framing the comeback.
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Messi's first-half penalty was saved by Mostafa Shobeir, adding to the tension before Argentina's dramatic late surge.
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Messi's post-match emotions were raw, with tears and reflections on relief and pride, underscoring the weight of the moment for the captain and the nation.
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Messi extended his World Cup assists record to nine, making him the all-time leader for assists in World Cup history as part of his ongoing legacy in the tournament.
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There is a discrepancy in reporting about Argentina's next opponent: some outlets say they advance to the semifinals against Switzerland, while others list them headed to the quarterfinals.
Argentina survived one of the most dramatic matches in World Cup history, overturning a 2-0 deficit in just 13 minutes to beat Egypt 3-2 and reach the quarterfinals. Cristian Romero (79'), Lionel Messi (83'), and Enzo Fernandez (92') scored in a stunning late blitz at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. Sporting Tribune reported that Messi wept after the final whistle, saying he cried out of guilt over his missed first-half penalty.
The win keeps Argentina's title defense alive. They now face Switzerland in the quarterfinals on July 11 in Kansas City. Egypt's camp, meanwhile, erupted in fury — filing a formal complaint with FIFA and accusing the referee of running a "directed tournament."
How Egypt Built a 2-0 Lead and Almost Held It
Egypt struck first in the 15th minute. Yasser Ibrahim headed home a Marwan Attia corner, shocking the reigning world champions early. Argentina thought they had a way back when Nicolas Tagliafico was fouled in the box, but Messi's penalty was saved brilliantly by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, who dove to his left. The miss left Messi visibly distressed, according to Head Topics.
Egypt doubled their lead in the 67th minute. Mostafa Zico finished off a rapid counterattack set up by Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan. Argentina had also seen Egypt's earlier 'second goal' wiped out by a VAR review — a call that would later ignite a political firestorm. At 2-0 with under 25 minutes left, Argentina looked finished.
Messi's 13-Minute Rescue Act Breaks World Cup Records
Argentina's comeback started in the 79th minute. Romero headed in a Messi cross to make it 2-1. Four minutes later, Messi himself equalised with a half-volley from inside the box. Then, in the 92nd minute, Fernandez headed home the winner. Three goals in 13 minutes — the first time in World Cup history Argentina came back from two goals down to win in regular time.
Messi's assist for Romero's goal extended his World Cup assists record to nine — the most by any player in World Cup history, surpassing his own previous mark. Ratopati noted that Thierry Henry highlighted the significance of the moment, given the immense pressure Messi carries at 39 years old in what is widely seen as his final World Cup. Messi also holds the record for all-time World Cup goals at 21, including eight in this 2026 tournament alone.
Messi's Tears and the Emotional Weight of a Nation
After the final whistle, Messi broke down on the pitch. He told reporters, "This team never gives up." Sporting Tribune reported he described crying from guilt over his penalty miss. Coach Lionel Scaloni was so overcome he cut short his post-match TV interview. He later said: "If we hadn't had the heart we had, we would've been out." His players, he joked, call him "the Crybaby" for his frequent tears in the dressing room.
Teammates rallied around their captain. Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez both praised Messi's leadership after the match, according to Sporty. Messi has now missed four of eight penalties he has taken in World Cup history — a 50% conversion rate — including two in this tournament. Yet his overall impact remains undeniable. World Soccer noted that critics argue he is "lucky to still be in the tournament," but his record-breaking numbers tell a different story.
Egypt Cries Foul, Files Formal FIFA Complaint Over Refereeing
Egypt's camp did not accept the result quietly. Coach Hossam Hassan launched a blistering attack on FIFA and French referee François Letexier. Hassan claimed: "Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition... The world champion received support at every level." He added that he would "not watch another game of this tournament." Forward Mostafa Zico, who scored Egypt's second goal, wept during his post-match interview and called the match "rigged."
The Egyptian Football Association bypassed standard protocols to file a formal complaint with FIFA, demanding an investigation and the expulsion of the French officiating crew. The complaint centers on two key VAR decisions: Egypt's disallowed second goal — ruled out for a foul in the buildup — and a visible shirt-pull by Alexis Mac Allister on an Egyptian defender in the 92nd minute, moments before Fernandez scored the winner. FIFA has not yet responded publicly to the complaint. World Soccer reported the incident has added to a growing referee crisis at the 2026 tournament, with both UEFA and Belgium having already filed separate officiating complaints.
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