Lionel Messi extended his record by scoring in a ninth straight FIFA World Cup match as Argentina fought back from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 and keep their title defence alive.
An emotional Lionel Messi broke down in tears after inspiring Argentina to a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt, sending the defending champions into the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after they had stared at a shock exit.
Argentina produced a stunning comeback after falling two goals behind, scoring twice in four minutes through Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi to beat Egypt 3-2 in their last 16 clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Argentina battled their way into the semis after edging Cape Verde and Switzerland in extra time and coming from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2.
Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in their World Cup last-32 encounter, which extended into extra time. An own goal in the 111th minute ultimately decided the match, sending the reigning champions into the last 16 where they will face Egypt.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma received a signed Lionel Messi jersey and expressed his excitement on social media.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni believes 39-year-old Lionel Messi will continue to be the world's best player for as long as he desires, dismissing age concerns as Messi dominates the World Cup with eight crucial goals.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi inspired a dramatic comeback victory over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, prompting teammate Julian Alvarez to hail him as "the best player in the world and in history." Despite missing a penalty, Messi scored a crucial equaliser, leading Argentina to a 3-2 win and a quarter-final clash with Switzerland, keeping their title defence hopes alive.
Argentina, having secured top spot in Group J, will face Jordan in their final group match with an eye on the knockout stage. Coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to rotate the squad, potentially resting Lionel Messi, while Jordan aims to conclude their debut World Cup campaign on a positive note despite early elimination.
Lionel Messi will lead defending champions Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coach Lionel Scaloni named a 26-man squad featuring 17 players from the 2022 title-winning team.
The noise at the Miami Stadium belonged to one nation, but the occasion belonged to one man as Lionel Messi scooped up another Man of the Match trophy.
Argentina booked their place in the World Cup knockout stage on Monday as Lionel Messi recovered from an early penalty miss to score a record-breaking double in a 2-0 victory over Austria.
Lionel Messi experienced an emotional rollercoaster in Argentina's World Cup last-16 tie against Egypt, missing a penalty but ultimately scoring a vital late equaliser to save his team's World Cup dream after being two goals down.
Lionel Messi sparked injury concerns after he left the field in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami CF's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union
Following a dominant group stage performance, Argentina is now preparing to face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has made three changes to his starting XI for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, bringing Reece James and Djed Spence into the defence, while Argentina's Lionel Scaloni makes one switch, with Giuliano Simeone replacing Rodrigo De Paul.
Egypt's players and Coach Hossam Hassan blasted FIFA and accused the governing body of blatantly 'favouring' Lionel Messi and his team.
Several high-profile football players are facing injuries ahead of the World Cup, raising concerns about their participation in the tournament. Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, and other stars are among those sidelined, while the packed playing schedule is drawing criticism.
Manchester City scored three goals in 17 second-half minutes and move within six points of league leaders Arsenal.
Morocco, Norway, Turkey, Colombia, Mexico and Japan are among the leading dark horses for FIFA World Cup 2026, with each side possessing the talent and momentum to challenge football's traditional powers.
The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Argentina's national team unveiled a revamped 31-man squad on Monday, led by Lionel Messi, for the South American qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador for the 2026 World Cup.
Arsenal extends its lead in the Premier League, while Manchester United strengthens its top-four bid. Chelsea's Cole Palmer shines with a hat-trick, and West Ham earns a crucial win in their fight against relegation.
Manchester City's Erling Haaland became the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals to ignite their charge on Tuesday.
Images from the EPL matches played on Saturday.
Tottenham defender Dragusin out with ACL injury
Brazil were humiliated 4-1 by bitter rivals Argentina in South American World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday as the pressure mounted on manager Dorival Jr after his side were comprehensively outplayed and fortunate not to lose by more.
Mario Lemina's early diving header handed Galatasaray a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday.
Luis Diaz was the only Colombian in the team of the tournament, alongside four Argentines (Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo De Paul, and Lionel Messi) and three Brazilians (Casemiro, Marquinhos and Neymar).
Argentina host Chile at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on September 5 before facing Colombia five days later in Barranquilla.
IMAGES from the UEFA Champions League matches played on Tuesday
Chelsea beat London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 on Thursday thanks to a goal by Argentina's Enzo Fernandez
Bayern Munich made it 16 wins from 16 games this season to underline their credentials as early Champions League favourites, beating holders Paris St Germain 2-1 away as Luis Diaz scored two goals and was shown a red card on Tuesday.
Tottenham Hotspur's Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke got on the scoresheet in a 3-0 victory over 10-man Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday as the visitors ran roughshod over the bedraggled Old Trafford side.
Lewis Hamilton revealed he is a big Arsenal fan and 'has been waiting for' them to win the Premier League (PL) for his whole life.
Ange Postecoglou ultimately paid the price for an horrendous English Premier League season which saw Tottenham finish 17th.
Arsenal emerged victorious over Tottenham Hotspur at their rivals' home ground. Gabriel Magalhaes' decisive header in the second half proved to be the difference-maker
A summary of Wednesday's action in the UEFA Champions League.
Young becomes oldest Everton scorer in rout of Wolves
Images from the Europa League semi-finals second leg between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao, Tottenham Hotspur and Bodo/Glimt, on Thursday.
