Lionel Messi makes World Cup history as Argentina pulls off stunning comeback against Egypt

Lionel Messi experienced every emotion imaginable during Argentina’s thrilling Round of 16 victory over Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Argentine captain endured one of the toughest moments of his tournament after missing a first-half penalty, setting an unwanted World Cup record.

But true to his reputation, Messi responded when his team needed him most, providing an assist, scoring a historic goal and helping inspire a stunning late comeback as Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 to book its place in the quarterfinals.

Egypt stunned the defending champions early in Atlanta, taking the lead through Yasser Ibrahim before doubling its advantage in the second half, leaving Argentina on the brink of a shock elimination.

© Justin Setterfield

Messi had the opportunity to level the score from the penalty spot in the opening half, but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.

The miss also saw Messi become the player with the most missed penalties in FIFA World Cup history.

© Julian Finney – FIFA

The Argentine star has now failed to convert four penalties across six World Cup appearances, including previous misses against Iceland in 2018, Poland in 2022 and Austria earlier in the 2026 tournament.

However, Argentina refused to give up. Cristian Romero ignited the comeback in the 79th minute after being set up by Messi, before the captain found the back of the net himself just four minutes later to level the match.

© Patrick Smith – FIFA

The goal was another milestone for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, giving him his 21st goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup era statistic recognized during the tournament and extending the record highlighted throughout this World Cup.

With extra time looming, Enzo Fernández completed one of the most remarkable comebacks of the tournament, heading home the winning goal in second-half stoppage time to seal Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 victory and keep its title defense alive.

© Patrick Smith – FIFA

The unforgettable victory sends Argentina into the World Cup quarterfinals, where Lionel Scaloni’s side will face the winner of Colombia and Switzerland in Kansas City.

The reigning champions remain in pursuit of a historic achievement, hoping to become the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back men’s FIFA World Cup titles.

© Justin Setterfield

While the missed penalty added an unexpected blemish to Messi’s legendary World Cup résumé, his response ultimately defined the night.

By the final whistle, the 39-year-old had transformed disappointment into another unforgettable chapter in his remarkable international career, once again proving why he continues to be Argentina’s biggest difference-maker on football’s grandest stage.