James RobsonJuly 8, 2026 — 4:17amAtlanta: Lionel Messi did it yet again at this year’s World Cup.The Argentina great scored once while inspiring his team to an improbable 3-2 victory over Egypt on Tuesday despite trailing by two goals with only 11 minutes to play.Lionel Messi celebrates Argentina’s victory over Egypt.Getty ImagesThe defending champions will next face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri.Messi, who was in tears after the final whistle, scored his eighth goal of this year’s tournament in the 83rd minute to level the score at 2-2. It was his record-extending 21st at the World Cup.Messi was overcome with emotion at the end of the match.AP Photo/Mike StewartArgentina launch Messi into the air after the comeback win.Getty ImagesEnzo Fernandez scored the winning goal in stoppage time to complete one of the great World Cup comebacks. Cristian Romero started the rally in the 79th minute.Argentina had trailed 2-0 on goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico.Egypt had the upper hand for the majority of the match, starting with Yasser Ibrahim’s goal.AP Photo/Erik S. LesserArgentina’s Lionel Messi fails to score from a penalty kick.AP Photo/Mike StewartMessi also missed a chance in the first half when his penalty kick was saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. He later hit the post when the score was 1-0.Argentina is bidding to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Brazil did so in 1958 and 1962.More to comeGet around our World Cup coverageFrom our partners
Messi’s happy tears as Argentina overcome two-goal deficit against Egypt
Enzo Fernandez scored in stoppage time to give the defending champions a 3-2 win in Atlanta and book a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals.










