On July 7, 2026, at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Argentina faced Egypt in the World Cup Round of 16. Egypt stunned the defending champions in the 15th minute when Marwan Attia's cross from the right found Yasser Ibrahim, who rose above Lisandro Martinez to power a header into the far corner past Emiliano Martinez. This was Ibrahim's first-ever World Cup goal and Egypt's first knockout-stage goal in World Cup history. Lionel Messi's reaction was one of visible frustration. Argentina had an immediate chance to equalize when Haissem Hassan fouled Nicolas Tagliafico in the box in the 21st minute, earning a penalty. However, goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir dived left to save Messi's spot-kick, becoming only the fourth goalkeeper in World Cup history to save two penalties in a single tournament. Shobeir also denied Julian Alvarez and Messi hit the post in the first half. Egypt doubled their lead in the 67th minute through Mostafa Ziko, finishing from Hassan's cross on a swift counter-attack. Argentina mounted a stunning comeback: Cristian Romero headed in from Messi's delivery in the 79th minute, Messi equalized with a left-footed finish in the 83rd minute, and Enzo Fernandez headed in Lautaro Martinez's cross in stoppage time to complete a 3-2 victory. Messi said his tears after the final whistle were a release of relief, as he didn't want this to be his final World Cup match.
