Argentina stuns Egypt with three-goal comeback, teammate confirms this is Messi's last World Cup
Argentina overturned a 2-0 deficit in the final 13 minutes to beat Egypt 3-2 in the World Cup round of 16, and Lautaro Martinez revealed afterwards that the tournament is Lionel Messi's last.
Match recap
Argentina looked headed for a shock exit after Yasser Ibrahim headed Egypt in front in the 15th minute and Mostafa Ziko doubled the lead in the 67th. Messi had a chance to level from the penalty spot in the 21st minute but saw his effort saved by Mostafa Shobeir, his fourth missed penalty at a World Cup. Egypt also had a goal disallowed after a VAR review for a foul on Emiliano Martinez.
- Yasser Ibrahim heads Egypt into a 1-0 lead.
- Messi's penalty is saved by Mostafa Shobeir.
- Mostafa Ziko doubles Egypt's advantage to 2-0.
- Cristian Romero pulls one back for Argentina.
- Messi equalises with his eighth goal of the tournament.
- Enzo Fernandez scores the winner in stoppage time.
The defending champions refused to fold. Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute, Messi equalised five minutes later with his eighth goal of the tournament, and Enzo Fernandez struck the winner in the second minute of stoppage time. The 3-2 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta sent Argentina into the quarter-finals.
Messi's emotional reaction
Messi broke down in tears on the pitch after the final whistle. He later told reporters the relief was overwhelming.
The 39-year-old also said the team never gives up and called the comeback "crazy".I am extremely happy that we advanced and how we fought. At 0-2 it got really tough. It's an incredible feeling to turn the match around again. We suffered again, but that's the World Cup.
Last World Cup confirmed
Teammate Lautaro Martinez, speaking to media after the match, said the squad is giving everything for Messi because this is his final World Cup.
Messi will be 43 by the 2030 tournament, making a sixth appearance highly unlikely. Coach Lionel Scaloni was also overcome with emotion and had to cut short his post-match interview.I told him we will give our all for ourselves, but even more for him, because it's his last World Cup and he has given us so much.
Scoring race and records
Messi leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals, one ahead of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe (seven each) and two clear of Harry Kane (six). He became the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup knockout matches and has now found the net in nine straight World Cup appearances dating back to 2022.
- Lionel Messi
- 8 goals
- Erling Haaland
- 7 goals
- Kylian Mbappe
- 7 goals
- Harry Kane
- 6 goals
What's next
Argentina will face the winner of Switzerland versus Colombia in the quarter-finals. The other last-eight spots are already filled by France, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England and Morocco.
