The 2026 FIFA World Cup served up its most dramatic moment yet as Lionel Messi dragged Argentina back from the brink of elimination, inspiring a breathtaking 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the Round of 16 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
For 77 minutes, it looked like the defending champions were heading home. Egypt had raced to a 2-0 lead with two clinical strikes, and Messi — who had just missed his second penalty of the tournament — was visibly struggling. The script seemed written: another superstar, like Cristiano Ronaldo the night before, making a tearful exit from the World Cup stage.
Then Messi happened.
The Comeback
With his team staring at elimination, Messi shifted wider to find space away from Egypt’s suffocating midfield press. In the 79th minute, he delivered a perfectly weighted assist for Cristian Romero to head home and cut the deficit. The stadium erupted.
Minutes later, Messi went on a vintage mazy run through the heart of Egypt’s defense, nearly setting up Lautaro Martinez for an equalizer. Then came the moment the world had been waiting for — a crisp half-volley from just inside the box, struck with that legendary technique, nestling into the roof of the net. 2-2.
With momentum completely shifted, Argentina pushed forward relentlessly. Deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernández hammered home the winner, completing one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup history. Messi fell to his knees in tears — this time, tears of joy rather than sorrow.
“I go with a clear conscience,” Ronaldo had said after Portugal’s 1-0 loss to Spain eliminated them. But Messi’s tournament continues.
Golden Boot Race Heats Up
Messi’s goal took him to eight for the tournament, moving one clear of both Kylian Mbappé (France) and Erling Haaland (Norway), who both sit on seven. England captain Harry Kane follows closely with six after his penalty helped the Three Lions edge co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in another thrilling contest.
Messi and Mbappé have already overtaken Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16 World Cup goals. Kane has surpassed Gary Lineker as England’s all-time top World Cup scorer. Haaland became Norway’s fastest-ever World Cup goalscorer after just two games.
What’s Next for Argentina?
Argentina advances to the quarter-finals where they will face the winner of Switzerland vs Colombia on Sunday, July 12, in Kansas City. With Messi finding his groove at exactly the right time, Argentina’s dream of retaining the World Cup — a feat no team has achieved since Brazil in 1962 — remains very much alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many World Cup goals does Lionel Messi have now?
Messi has 18 World Cup goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16. He leads the 2026 Golden Boot race with eight goals.
When is Argentina’s next match?
Argentina will play in the quarter-finals on Sunday, July 12, 2026, in Kansas City, USA. They will face either Switzerland or Colombia.
Did Cristiano Ronaldo retire from international football?
After Portugal’s 1-0 Round of 16 defeat to Spain, Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he has played his last World Cup match, saying “I go with a clear conscience.”
Upcoming World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final Schedule
- July 9 — France vs Morocco (Foxborough, USA)
- July 10 — Spain vs Belgium (Los Angeles, USA)
- July 11 — Norway vs England (Miami, USA)
- July 12 — Argentina vs Switzerland/Colombia (Kansas City, USA)
Semi-finals on July 14 & 15, with the Grand Final on July 19 in New Jersey.