Messi Magic Saves Argentina Once Again
Never write off Lionel Messi. That was the lesson Egypt learned the hard way in Atlanta on Tuesday night. Trailing 2-0 with just 11 minutes remaining, the 39-year-old legend produced yet another immortal performance to keep Argentina’s title defense alive in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Egypt had been magnificent. Yasser Ibrahim’s bullet header from a corner in the 15th minute stunned the world champions, and when Mostafa Ziko doubled the lead after a brilliant run from Mohamed Salah’s assist, the biggest upset in World Cup history was on the cards. Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir — whose father Ahmed was the Pharaohs’ keeper at the 1990 World Cup — was sensational, saving a Messi penalty and repelling everything Argentina threw at him.
But the script was already written. Messi turned provider first, delivering a pinpoint cross for Cristian Romero to head home. Four minutes later, the little magician smashed home the equalizer from a loose ball — his 21st World Cup goal, extending his all-time record. The winner came from an unlikely source: Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández headed home Lautaro Martínez’s cross with eight minutes left.
Egypt were furious, believing there had been a foul in the buildup. But the result stood. A tearful Messi was carried off the pitch by his teammates. “I think I need another couple of hours or days to process what just happened,” an emotional Scaloni said after the match.
Switzerland’s Historic Shootout Triumph
Switzerland reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 after a tense penalty shootout victory over Colombia. After 120 goalless minutes in Vancouver, the Swiss held their nerve 4-3 on penalties, with Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel the hero — saving Cucho Hernández’s spot-kick after Davinson Sánchez had hit the crossbar.
“This is a dream,” said Switzerland manager Murat Yakin. “We are going to celebrate with the entire staff and the entire nation.”
Quarter-Final Lineup
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (BST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| France vs Morocco | Thu 9 July | Boston | 9:00 PM |
| Spain vs Belgium | Fri 10 July | Los Angeles | 8:00 PM |
| Norway vs England | Sat 11 July | Miami | 10:00 PM |
| Argentina vs Switzerland | Sun 12 July | Kansas City | 2:00 AM |
FAQ
Who has scored the most goals at the 2026 World Cup so far?
Lionel Messi leads the Golden Boot race with 8 goals, ahead of Kylian Mbappé (France) and Erling Haaland (Norway) who both have 7.
When is the World Cup 2026 final?
The final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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