A Record-Setting Rescue
Argentina trailed 2-0 with just over 10 minutes remaining before staging one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup history. Cristian Romero pulled one back before Messi drew the match level at 2-2, scoring in a record ninth consecutive World Cup game. Enzo Fernández then headed the stoppage-time winner to send Argentina into the quarterfinals. nytimes.com espn.com espn.com reuters.com
No team had ever recovered from a two-goal deficit after the 78th minute to win in normal time at a World Cup until Tuesday’s match. Messi’s equalizer was his eighth goal of the 2026 tournament, putting him one clear of Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race. usatoday.com skysports.com nytimes.com
From Record-Breaker to Record-Stretcher
Messi first surpassed the previous all-time World Cup scoring mark of 16 goals — held jointly by Miroslav Klose — during Argentina’s group stage, scoring twice in a 2-0 win over Austria on June 22 to take his tally to 17. He added another against Jordan on June 27, his 19th overall, before scoring in Argentina’s 3-2 extra-time win over Cabo Verde in the Round of 32 on July 3. olympics.com skysports.com reuters.com
The 39-year-old’s goal against Egypt also marked his sixth consecutive World Cup knockout match with a goal, another record. His streak of scoring in consecutive World Cup games now stands at nine, having long surpassed Just Fontaine and Jairzinho. espn.com reuters.com olympics.com
What Lies Ahead
Argentina advance to the quarterfinals as Messi continues his quest to defend the title won in Qatar in 2022. Lautaro Martínez told a visibly emotional Messi to enjoy the moment after the final whistle, while the debate over how long the 39-year-old can sustain this level intensifies with each passing round. espn.com
As Reuters described it: “Magic mortal Messi rescues Argentina and lives to fight another day.” reuters.com
