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Messi rescues Argentina with comeback from two goals down as Switzerland reach first quarterfinal since 1954

Argentina trailed Egypt by two goals as late as the 78th minute before completing a historic 3-2 comeback at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi, visibly emotional at 39, was central to the turnaround, while Switzerland also advanced to set up a quarterfinal meeting with Argentina on July 11 in Kansas City.

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Messi rescues Argentina with comeback from two goals down as Switzerland reach first quarterfinal since 1954
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Argentina produced the greatest comeback in their World Cup history on Tuesday, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a 39-year-old Lionel Messi at the heart of every pivotal moment. Switzerland also advanced on the same day, defeating Colombia to reach their first quarterfinal since 1954.

Argentina were still trailing as late as the 78th minute — the latest any team has ever been two or more goals down in a World Cup match and gone on to win in 90 minutes. The turnaround is the first time Argentina have come from two goals behind to win at a World Cup, and only the second time any team has managed it in normal time since Belgium beat Japan 3-2 at the 2018 round of 16.

Messi’s goal, scored while Argentina were chasing an equaliser to keep their title defence alive, was the standout moment of the day. Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir had earlier denied Messi from the penalty spot at a crucial juncture, a save that will define his tournament even in defeat.

The victory extended Argentina’s winning run to 12 consecutive matches and left them unbeaten in 11 straight World Cup games — both new team records. They have now scored multiple goals in 11 consecutive World Cup matches, equalling the all-time record set by Uruguay between 1930 and 1954. Argentina have also reached back-to-back World Cup semifinals for the first time since 1986 and 1990.

For Messi, the emotional weight of the occasion was plain to see. Every match from this point could be his last at a World Cup, and the Argentine captain was visibly overcome when the final whistle confirmed the comeback. His teammates appear equally determined to extend what may be his final tournament run.

Swiss forward Haissem Hassan provided one of the assists of the round, creating a goal-scoring opportunity through a sequence of dribbles that conjured something from nothing. Switzerland’s win over Colombia marked the first time they have advanced in two consecutive knockout-stage matches at a World Cup, and their first quarterfinal appearance in 71 years.

Argentina and Switzerland will meet in the quarterfinals on July 11 in Kansas City.

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