ATLANTA — Inter Miami CF captain Leo Messi scored a record-extending 21st career World Cup goal and added an assist as Argentina stormed back from a two-goal deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16 at Atlanta Stadium, booking a quarterfinal berth in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Messi’s 83rd-minute equalizer — a powerful first-time left-footed strike after Egypt’s backline failed to clear a delivery into the box — gave him eight goals this edition, tops in the tournament scoring charts. The goal also made him the first player to score in six consecutive knockout-stage matches and nine consecutive World Cup matches overall. His 31st career World Cup appearance is another record without precedent in the competition’s history.
Argentina looked in serious trouble for much of the match. Yasser Ibrahim headed Egypt ahead in the 15th minute off a cross from Marawan Attia, and Messi had a penalty saved by Egypt’s goalkeeper in the 21st minute. Zico doubled Egypt’s lead in the 67th minute on a counterattack, leaving the defending champions staring at elimination.
The comeback began in the 79th minute when Cristian Romero headed home after Messi delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Messi’s equalizer four minutes later set the stage for Enzo Fernández, who completed the turnaround in the second minute of added time with a header off a cross from Lautaro Martínez.
Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul started alongside Messi in an Argentina lineup that featured Emiliano Martínez in goal, a back four of Nahuel Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Tagliafico, and a midfield of Leandro Paredes, De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Fernández, with Julián Álvarez joining Messi in attack. Argentina dominated possession at 64% to Egypt’s 36%, outshooting Egypt 19-5 while forcing four saves from Egypt’s goalkeeper.
Argentina will face either Colombia or Switzerland in the quarterfinals Saturday at 9 p.m. ET at Kansas City Stadium.