Messi Resurrects Argentina at the Death — and Cristiano Is Already Gone
A late Messi equaliser and an Enzo Fernández header saw Argentina come from behind to beat Egypt 3-2 and advance to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals. Cristiano is out; Messi rolls on.
For a moment, it looked as though the cruel script was about to repeat itself. Lionel Messi, Argentina's captain, seemed destined to leave the 2026 World Cup the same way his old rival Cristiano Ronaldo had: through the back door, earlier than anyone expected.
But Messi is Messi.
In a frantic finish in Atlanta, with Egypt leading 2-1, the number 10 stepped up to equalise and spare his side the embarrassment. Argentina exhaled. Then Enzo Fernández arrived to complete the comeback — 3-2 — and book a place in the quarter-finals.
The drama was total. For long stretches, Argentina looked lost, and the shadow of a premature farewell hung over the Albiceleste. Messi's equaliser changed everything. Enzo's header sealed the deal.
On the other side, Egypt manager Hossam Hassan was furious. He called the refereeing "unfair" and accused the tournament of being "directed towards Argentina", according to Sky Sports. Controversy guaranteed.
Meanwhile, Portugal have already packed their bags. Cristiano was eliminated before the quarter-finals — and Messi marches on. Golmetria's model gives Argentina a 22.3% chance of lifting the trophy, the highest of any side still in the competition.
Back-to-back titles remain a live dream. And Messi, once again, refused to let the story end without him.