Lionel Messi orchestrated a dramatic comeback for Argentina, propelling them into the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Egypt. Trailing 2-0 with just over 10 minutes remaining, Messi first provided an assist for Cristian Romero's goal in the 84th minute. He then scored the equalizer himself, before playing a role in Enzo Fernández's stoppage-time winner. The match also saw Messi miss a penalty in the first half, his second of the tournament.

Egypt had taken a deserved 2-0 lead through goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico, with Mohamed Salah influential throughout. However, a controversial VAR decision disallowed Zico's second goal earlier in the second half, a call that infuriated the Egyptian side. Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir made a string of impressive saves, including denying Messi's penalty, but ultimately could not hold off the resurgent Argentines.

The victory keeps Argentina's World Cup defense alive and continues Messi's quest for another title at age 39. He now leads the tournament with eight goals. For Egypt, the loss marks a heartbreaking exit after a performance that nearly defied expectations, with questions surely to be raised about VAR's significant impact on the final result.