FIFA World Cup: Argentina Stages Mother of All Comebacks, Switzerland Creates History

Lionel Messi scored in a record sixth consecutive World Cup knockout match as Argentina staged a sensational 3–2 comeback victory over Egypt to reach the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Despite trailing by two goals, Argentina turned the tide in the Round of 16 clash.

The comeback began in the 79th minute at Atlanta Stadium when Cristian Romero headed in a goal from Messi’s assist.

Messi delivered a beautiful cross from the right side into the penalty box, beating Egypt’s offside trap, and Romero’s header found the near post net.

Momentum shifted quickly, and Messi himself leveled the score at 2–2. With Argentina’s forwards pressing inside the box, Messi struck a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir.

In stoppage time, Argentina sealed the dramatic win with a counterattack. Substitute striker Lautaro Martínez, with fresh legs, proved decisive. His pace overwhelmed Egypt’s defense, and his cross from the right was calmly placed into the net by midfielder Enzo Fernández.

Martínez continued to shine as a “super sub,” winning physical duels and maintaining control late in the game. Egypt had taken the lead as early as the 15th minute when center-back Yasser Ibrahim headed in Marwan Ateya’s long pass from the right, similar to Enzo’s later goal.

In the 67th minute, striker Ziko doubled Egypt’s lead with a counterattack, finishing Haisem Hassan’s cutback past goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.

However, the goal was disallowed after VAR ruled a foul on Lisandro Martínez during Argentina’s possession. Just two minutes later, Ziko scored again to make it 2–0.

Earlier, in the 21st minute, Messi’s penalty was saved by Shobeir after Hassan had fouled left-back Nicolás Tagliafico.

With his scoring streak intact, Messi climbed back to the top of the Golden Boot race. This was his eighth goal in the tournament in the United States, and with 21 overall, he is now the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.

Argentina will face Switzerland in the semifinals. The match is scheduled for Sunday, July 12, at 6:45 AM Nepali time.

Meanwhile, Switzerland reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years.

In Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium, Switzerland defeated Colombia 4–3 in a penalty shootout in the last Round of 16 match. After 90 minutes plus 30 minutes of extra time ended goalless, the game went to penalties. Colombia missed two spot-kicks, allowing Switzerland to advance.

Colombia’s Juan Quintero, Jáminton Campaz, and Luis Díaz scored their penalties, while Davinson Sánchez and Cucho Hernández failed. For Switzerland, Granit Xhaka, Zeki Amdouni, Cedric Itten, and Ruben Vargas converted, while Manuel Akanji missed.

Switzerland last reached the quarterfinals in 1954. Playing their 13th World Cup, this is their fourth time advancing to the last eight. They will now face defending champions Argentina for a place in the semifinals.

Colombia, meanwhile, exited the tournament, their dream of reaching the quarterfinals for the second time cut short by Switzerland’s historic win.