On Tuesday, Argentina wrapped up their round of 16 participation in the 2026 World Cup with a dramatic comeback victory against Egypt. This 3-2 win at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium propels them into the tournament's top eight contenders.
Under the guidance of Lionel Scaloni, Argentina found themselves trailing 0-2 after goals from Yasser Ibrahim in the 15th minute and Mostafa Ziko in the 67th, with the latter scoring following a counterattack set up by Mohamed Salah.
The Albiceleste's response was both late and powerful: in just 13 short minutes, they turned the game around with three decisive goals.
Cristian Romero began the comeback with a header in the 79th minute. Just four minutes later, Lionel Messi brought the score level with a stunning volley that sent the Argentine fans in the stands into a frenzy.
The decisive blow came during stoppage time: Enzo Fernández headed in a pass from Lautaro Martínez, sealing a 3-2 victory in the 92nd minute plus two, igniting jubilation among the Albiceleste supporters.
The match was not without its share of tension prior to the comeback. Messi missed a penalty in the 21st minute, saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed Sobeir, an event that could have altered the course of the game.
With this result, Messi extended his lead in the tournament's scoring chart. The Argentine captain has netted seven goals in the 2026 World Cup, a tally he shares with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland at the top of the Golden Boot race.
Messi also became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose's record of 16 during this edition of the tournament.
In another match of the day, Switzerland and Colombia ended their game without a winner after 120 minutes at Vancouver's BC Place, with the decision coming from the penalty spot.
The Swiss prevailed 4-3 in the shootout. Missed penalties by Davinson Sánchez and Cucho Hernández were crucial to Colombia's elimination, as they failed to capitalize on Manuel Akanji's missed penalty to tip the balance in their favor.
Switzerland ousted Colombia with greater composure and efficiency in the shootout, setting the stage as Argentina's next opponent in the quarterfinals.
Argentina's victory also resonated on social media. Antonela Roccuzzo, Messi's wife, expressed the sentiment shared by millions in her Instagram post: "There are no words left."
Argentina and Switzerland will face off on Saturday, July 11, at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium, marking their first World Cup encounter since 1994.
Key Moments and Upcoming Matches in the 2026 World Cup
What was the turning point in Argentina's match against Egypt?
The turning point was Argentina's three-goal surge in the last 13 minutes, initiated by Cristian Romero's header and capped by Enzo Fernández's stoppage-time goal.
How did Switzerland secure their quarterfinal spot?
Switzerland advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the match ended in a draw following 120 minutes of play.
When will Argentina face Switzerland in the quarterfinals?
Argentina will meet Switzerland on Saturday, July 11, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.