World Cup 2026 news: Lionel Messi inspires Argentina's dramatic comeback over Egypt
Argentina produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, recovering from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Lionel Messi once again demonstrated why he remains the heartbeat of the defending champions.
The Argentine legend dragged his side back into the contest before Enzo Fernández headed home a stoppage-time winner to keep their hopes of retaining the World Cup alive.
Egypt stun the holders
Few expected Egypt to place the reigning world champions under such pressure.
Goals from Yasser Ibrahim El Hanafi and Mostafa Zaki Abdelraouf handed the African side a deserved 2-0 advantage, leaving Argentina staring at one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Despite dominating possession for long spells, Lionel Scaloni's side struggled to convert pressure into goals until the closing stages.
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Messi leads the response
When Argentina needed inspiration, their captain delivered.
Cristian Romero gave the holders hope with an 79th-minute strike before Messi found the equaliser just four minutes later, once again stepping up on football's biggest stage.
The goal transformed the momentum of the contest and breathed fresh belief into the Argentine side, whose relentless pressure finally overwhelmed Egypt's resistance.
Messi's influence extended far beyond the scoresheet. His composure, movement and leadership helped galvanise a team that refused to accept elimination.
Enzo has the final say
With extra time looming, Argentina found one final moment of quality.
Enzo Fernández rose highest in stoppage time to head home the winner, completing a stunning turnaround and sending the holders into the quarter-finals.
After the match, the midfielder praised the unity that continues to define the squad.
"We have a phenomenal group, a group that never gives up no matter the difficulties and adversity. We're always together," Fernandez said, quoted on Sky Sports.
Fernández also made Argentina's ambitions clear.
"Four years have passed since Qatar, and we've come to enjoy another World Cup – and we want to win it again. That's what we're aiming for."
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Champions show their character
For much of the evening, Argentina looked destined for an early exit.
Instead, they produced the kind of comeback often associated with championship-winning teams.
Egypt deserve enormous credit for pushing the holders to the brink, but Argentina's experience and belief ultimately proved decisive during a breathtaking final 15 minutes.
Messi's World Cup story continues
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey ended just 24 hours earlier against Spain.
Messi, however, ensured his own story continues.
With another decisive performance when his country needed him most, the Argentine captain once again reminded the football world why he remains one of the defining figures of this tournament.
Argentina now march into the quarter-finals with renewed confidence, knowing that as long as Messi is on the pitch, their dream of defending the World Cup remains alive.
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