Argentina comes back from 2-0 down to reach the quarterfinals

In the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, Argentina and Egypt faced off at Atlanta Stadium. In the match officiated by French referee François Letexier, Egypt took a 1-0 lead with a goal from Yasser Ibrahim in the 15th minute.

For Argentina, Lionel Messi failed to convert a penalty in the 21st minute, with goalkeeper Shobeir making the save. The first half, characterized by back-and-forth attacks, ended 1-0. In the second half, the defending champions took control of the game, increasing their offensive pressure while also conceding chances on the counterattack.

Following a goal by Mostafa Zico in the 58th minute, VAR alerted referee Letexier, and the goal was disallowed due to a foul. In the 67th minute, Zico found the back of the net again to make the score 2-0. Argentina narrowed the gap to one with a goal from Cristian Romero in the 79th minute, and 4 minutes later, Messi scored the equalizer.

In the 90+2nd minute, Enzo Fernandez headed the ball into the net from a cross by Lautaro Martinez, putting Argentina ahead 3-2. No further goals were scored in the remaining minutes, and the defending champions, Argentina, secured their ticket to the quarterfinals. Argentina will face the winner of the Switzerland vs. Colombia match in the quarterfinals.

Messi reaches his 8th goal in the tournament

Argentina's star Lionel Messi also found the net against Egypt, reaching his 8th goal in 5 matches.

Competing in his 6th World Cup, Messi has increased his total goal tally in tournament history to 21. Meanwhile, the 39-year-old footballer has managed to score in 9 consecutive World Cups.

News Source: 12punto