Argentina Reach the Quarter-finals as Messi Breaks More Records
- Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 to book their place in the Quarter-finals.
- Lionel Messi scored one goal, provided one assist, and reached new historic milestones at the FIFA World Cup.
- La Albiceleste will face Switzerland for a place in the Semi-finals.
Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to secure their place among the tournament's final eight teams. Lionel Messi was once again the difference-maker, contributing a goal and an assist while continuing to build on his remarkable legacy in football's biggest competition.
Argentina Fight Back to Stay Alive
Argentina took another step toward defending the title they won at Qatar 2022.
Lionel Scaloni's side came from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2, with goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and Enzo Fernández.
Egypt established a two-goal lead and pushed the reigning world champions to the limit, but Argentina's comeback arrived late in the match. Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute, Messi equalized in the 86th, and Enzo Fernández scored the winner in stoppage time.
With the victory, La Albiceleste advanced to the Quarter-finals and remain in contention to defend their world title.
Messi Continues to Build His Legacy
Lionel Messi once again proved decisive for Argentina.
The captain assisted Cristian Romero for Argentina's first goal before scoring the equalizer that sparked the comeback against Egypt.
His performance allowed him to reach several new milestones in FIFA World Cup history.
Lionel Messi's World Cup Records
- Reached 21 FIFA World Cup goals.
- Recorded 10 World Cup assists.
- Scored in his ninth consecutive FIFA World Cup match.
- At 39 years old, became the oldest player ever to record both a goal and an assist in the same World Cup match.
Messi now leads the scoring charts at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with eight goals. With 125 goals for Argentina's senior national team, he continues to add to a career that already ranks among the greatest in football history.
Round of 16
Argentina 3-2 Egypt
With the victory, La Albiceleste secured their place in the Quarter-finals and will continue representing CONMEBOL in the decisive stages of the tournament.
Next Match
Quarter-finals
Argentina vs. Switzerland
11 July
Kansas City
Argentina Will Represent CONMEBOL in the Quarter-finals
Argentina will be CONMEBOL's representative in the Quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Lionel Scaloni's team will battle Switzerland for a place among the tournament's final four, while Lionel Messi continues his pursuit of even more historic achievements wearing the famous Albiceleste shirt.
Alongside Argentina's collective goal of defending their world title, the captain enters the Quarter-finals as the tournament's leading scorer and with the opportunity to extend a remarkable list of records that already places him among the greatest players in FIFA World Cup history.
- Lionel Messi is the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history with 21 goals.
- The Argentina captain has also recorded 10 assists in the tournament.
- Argentina will face Switzerland in the Quarter-finals on 11 July in Kansas City.
- La Albiceleste continue their defense of the title won at Qatar 2022.
