The Argentine National Team avoided one of the biggest surprises of the World Cup 2026 by coming back from a match that seemed lost against Egypt. The current world champion suffered more than necessary, she was on the ropes for much of the match, but reacted in the final minutes to win 3-2 and ensure her qualification for the quarterfinals.
The team led by Lionel Scaloni had a night full of difficulties. Lionel Messi even missed a penalty in the first half, as Egypt took the lead and came very close to eliminating the Albiceleste in the round of 16.
However, when everything seemed to indicate an unexpected elimination, the champion’s character appeared. Cristian “Cuti” Romero scored in the 79th minute and restored hope to Argentina. Just five minutes later, in the 84th minute, Lionel Messi equalized the score and ignited the enthusiasm of millions of Argentine fans.
The comeback was completed in stoppage time. Enzo Fernández rose in the area and connected with an accurate header in the 93rd minute to make it 3-2. definitive and unleash euphoria in the stands, the bench and in Argentina.
With this reaction in just 13 minutes, Argentina went from being on the brink of elimination to being among the eight best teams in the tournament.
Messi’s tears move the world
At the end of the match, one of the most moving images of the World Cup featured Lionel Messi. After the final whistle, the Argentine captain could not contain his tears of happiness and emotion after a night full of tension and suffering.
The Rosario star, who scored eight goals in this World Cup and his 21st in the history of the World Cup, he ended up very emotional while hugging his teammates. After missing a penalty and enduring the pressure of a decisive match, Messi found revenge with a key goal in the comeback and celebrated with tears the passage to the quarterfinals, which seemed to slip away.
The cameras captured the Argentine captain with moist eyes as he thanked the fans for their support and shared hugs with his teammates. Messi’s tears symbolized an unforgettable night for Argentina: a battle suffered, a comeback and a qualification that will remain engraved in the memory of Argentine fans as one of the most exciting in their World Cup history.
LIONEL MESSI IN TEARS AT FULL TIME.
Despite winning it all he still has this crazy passion for the game ❤️🥹pic.twitter.com/ccJ2dLyqZC
— MC (@CrewsMat10) July 7, 2026