Lionel Messi assisted and scored as Argentina came from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in regulation time.

The Pharaohs took the lead in the 15th minute via a header from Yasser Ibrahim. They conceded a penalty 4 minutes later but Lionel proved he is human after all when he failed to convert from the spot. Mostafa Shobeir made the save before the water break.

In second half, Egypt’s Mostafa Zico had the ball in the net in the 59th minute but the goal was checked by VAR and chalked off for a foul. Eight minutes later, same Mostafa Zico made it 2-0. The game was on the edge with the Argentines pouring forward to get a goal but getting punished for leaving the back exposed.

The comeback began in the 79th minute. Messi’s cross was headed in by Christian Romero for his first official assist of the tournament. Four minutes later, Messi made it 2-2. Egypt nearly made it 3-2 at the 90 but Parades made a decisive block.

@OptaJoe: 1 – From the 76th minute onwards in Argentina’s 3-2 comeback win over Egypt, Lionel Messi had the most touches (27) and was the only player to have multiple shots (2), chances created (2), dribbles (2) and touches in the opposition box (5).

Catalyst.

In the 2nd minute of added time, Lauturo Martinez’s cross was headed in by Enzo Fernandez for the winner – the 3000th goal of the FIFA World Cup. What a comeback! Heartbreak for the Pharaohs. Heartbreak for Africa. This is similar to the Senegal case of leading 2-0 in the 85th minute and getting knocked out by full time.

The final game of the round ended goalless between Switzerland and Colombia with the former progressing via penalties (4-3).

Today we rest and prepare for the quarter finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup which begins tomorrow. 8 teams will fight for the 4 semi final slots.

I am happy for the Arsenal lads – Trossard, Merino, Saka, Noni, Eze, Rice, Raya, Odegaard, Saliba and all. Hopefully one of them returns back with the World Cup trophy.

I will take time to watch the highlights of the completed round of 16. We had interesting goals and games. Hopefully, the quarter final will be more interesting.