ATLANTA — Lionel Messi once again took center stage for Argentina.
As Egypt held a 2-0 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining, the Albiceleste captain assisted on Argentina’s first goal, scored the equalizer in the 84th minute, and subsequently set up Enzo Fernández‘s winner in the second minute of stoppage time, leading to an exhilarating 3-2 victory that advances his team to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup.
When Messi netted the equalizer on Tuesday, it sent the Argentina-dominated crowd into a frenzy inside Atlanta Stadium, igniting chants of “Messi, Messi” that echoed throughout the venue.
The match could have taken a different turn for Messi and Argentina. After Yasser Ibrahim had given Egypt an early lead with a header from Marawan Attia‘s cross just 15 minutes in, Messi missed a penalty six minutes later that could have leveled the score, marking his second penalty miss in this World Cup. The left-footed shot was saved by Egypt’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir, bringing Messi’s total World Cup penalty misses to four out of eight attempts.
A hush fell over the stadium before fans broke into a song about Messi: “Vení, vení, cantá conmigo, que un amigo vas a encontrar, que de la mano, de Leo Messi, todos la vuelta vamos a dar.” (“Come, come, sing with me, a friend you’ll find, with Messi’s hand we will take a lap.”)
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Egypt capitalized on their lead, defending solidly in the first half before doubling it through Mostafa Zico after a low cross from Haissem Hassan. Yet with Messi’s genius, anything feels achievable for this squad.
Coach Lionel Scaloni emphasized that wins come in various forms and require grit and determination—qualities his players showcased against Egypt.
“When things don’t go as planned, there’s never just one way to win. It demands perseverance, intensity, and the unwavering spirit we possess. This team has it all; they consistently bring that extra dose of drive and determination to win,” Scaloni remarked. — Becherano
Messi to the rescue once more
Never underestimate Messi, even when defeat seems imminent.
With less than 15 minutes left in the match, Argentina was trailing 2-0, staring at the end of their title reign, and Messi was poised to close out his extraordinary international career. However, within five spellbinding minutes, Messi provided a precise assist for Cristian Romero to score, before he leveled the match with a fierce strike that hit the crossbar and went in.
Messi has once again brought Argentina back from the brink. At 39, he defies age, with each performance only enhancing his legendary status. While he missed a penalty in the first half and seemed less impactful for a significant portion of the game—finishing with just 16 progressive passes and seven progressive carries—he consistently steps up when his country needs him the most.
Messi now boasts eight goals in this World Cup, putting him at the forefront of the Golden Boot race. Who can doubt that he might once again end the tournament holding the trophy?
As the final whistle blew in Atlanta, Messi was overcome with emotion—more relief than elation, perhaps—but his World Cup journey continues. — Ogden
Egypt and Salah’s heart-wrenching near-miss
Mohamed Salah and Egypt will forever remember this match as a poignant tale of missed opportunities. Hossam Hassan’s squad performed exceptionally well and rightfully led for substantial moments, thanks to spectacular goals from Ibrahim and Zico.
It could have been a bigger lead, with Zico having an earlier goal controversially disallowed for a foul that occurred 20 seconds prior to finding the net.
Former Liverpool star Salah orchestrated much of Egypt’s play and was instrumental up to the final 10 minutes, paralleling Messi’s influence for Argentina. He provided a brilliant assist to Zico for the disallowed goal and was key in the second goal that put Egypt ahead 2-0.
Egypt should have held on for the quarterfinal spot, and against any other team, they likely would have. However, this is Argentina, and with Messi delivering extraordinary feats, even Salah couldn’t avert the inevitable after Romero closed the gap to 2-1. — Ogden
The VAR controversies overshadow Egypt’s performance
The VAR’s involvement in this match will be debated for days—especially from Egypt’s viewpoint—as it played a significant role in the outcome.
When Zico scored to make it 2-0 in the 58th minute, it looked like a pivotal moment in the tournament. However, referee Francois Letexier was directed by VAR to reassess a prior challenge on Lisandro Martínez during the buildup in Egypt’s half.
Marawan Attia was deemed to have fouled the Manchester United defender, though the contact was minimal and certainly not substantial enough to justify VAR’s interference. Egypt’s frustration grew, especially when the VAR team did not intervene in stoppage time after Fernández scored Argentina’s winner.
Replays indicated that Alexis Mac Allister had pulled an Egypt player’s shirt strongly in the penalty area while they were attempting to score. Several Egyptian players received bookings as the tension escalated. This incident was far more consequential than Ateya’s foul on Lisandro but went unchecked by VAR, only fueling Egypt’s discontent.
It is certain that Egypt will seek clarification for these contentious decisions. — Ogden
Shoubir’s valiant efforts ultimately in vain
Egypt’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir emerged as a pivotal player for his side against Argentina.
For nearly 80 minutes, Shoubir thwarted La Albiceleste, saving Messi’s penalty attempt and subsequently denying two more close-range shots. His repeated blocks against Messi provided Egypt with their best shot at advancing, but ultimately, it wasn’t sufficient.
This World Cup has highlighted incredible goalkeeping performances, with Curacao’s Eloy Room setting a single-game record with 15 saves against Ecuador, while Shoubir, alongside Vozinha, delivered standout performances against Argentina. If not for Shoubir’s heroics, this match could have had a very different outcome. — Becherano