Argentina vs Egypt

In what may go down as the greatest comeback in 2026 FIFA World Cup history, Argentina scored three unanswered goals in the final 11 minutes to defeat Egypt 3-2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and advance to the quarter-finals. Defending champions Argentina had been heading for the most shocking exit of the tournament. Egypt — inspired by Mohamed Salah and a brilliant performance from goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir — took a shock lead through Marwan Attia's 15th-minute header, and it got worse for Argentina when Messi blazed a penalty over the bar in the 21st minute. Shobeir continued to frustrate Messi and Lautaro Martínez throughout, making save after save. With eight minutes remaining, at 2-0 down and the Albiceleste seemingly heading out, Cristian Romero rose to head in from a corner to make it 2-1. Then came the moment that will define this World Cup. In the 83rd minute, a cross was deflected high into the air and nodded down into the box. Messi pounced on the loose ball and lashed a strike that cannoned off Shobeir's hand, off the crossbar and over the line — his 21st FIFA World Cup finals goal, breaking the all-time record that had stood since Germany's Miroslav Klose retired. The stadium erupted. And the comeback was completed in stoppage time when Enzo Fernández — receiving a cross from Lautaro Martínez — threw himself at the ball and headed home the winner, sending Argentina into the quarter-finals in the most Argentine way imaginable. Messi celebrated with his arms outstretched and tears in his eyes, later describing the goal celebration as a 'huge release' after the missed penalty. Egypt, who had played some of the best football of any team at this World Cup, were left devastated — robbed of what would have been one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.