Lionel Messi was in tears after leading Argentina to a stunning 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, keeping the holders' defence alive while adding to his record goal tally. The match in Atlanta featured controversial VAR decisions, a missed penalty from Messi, and a late winner from Enzo Fernandez that sparked debate about whether a foul on Mo Salah should have been given. Meanwhile, Messi’s two goals took him to eight for the tournament, putting him top of the Golden Boot race ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.
The 2026 World Cup is the 23rd edition of the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Argentina entered as reigning champions after winning in 2022. In the last 16, they faced Egypt, who took a shock 2-0 lead through Mostafa Shobeir and Ziko. Argentina fought back: Cristian Romero scored a header, then Messi equalised before Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround. The winning goal was controversial: Egypt captain Mo Salah believed he should have been awarded a penalty in the build-up, but VAR did not intervene. Pundit Ian Wright, on ITV Sport, said the goal should have been disallowed for a foul on Salah, adding: “If you’re going to pull it back for Argentina on the edge of the box to disallow a goal, you have to pull it back for this one with Mo Salah.” Roy Keane noted that “the bigger teams do seem to get the benefit of these decisions.” Earlier in the match, Argentina had been awarded a penalty for a foul on Nicolas Tagliafico, which Messi missed, and Egypt had a goal ruled out by VAR for a foul on Tagliafico earlier in the move—decisions Wright also questioned.
“Explains Argentina's dramatic win over Egypt, the Golden Boot race, and key VAR controversies at the 2026 World Cup.”
The Golden Boot race is tight. Messi leads with eight goals. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are behind, though exact tallies were not given in the sources. The award goes to the top scorer at each World Cup; Messi’s total puts him in strong contention.
For UK readers, this World Cup matters because England are still in the tournament. They could face Argentina in the semi-finals if both teams win their quarter-finals. England’s potential semi-final opponent is Norway, whose camp has been hit by a sickness bug ahead of that match. The controversy over VAR decisions also resonates in the UK, where the system is used in the Premier League and similar debates occur regularly.
Q: Did Argentina’s winning goal against Egypt involve a foul on Mo Salah? Pundits including Ian Wright argued that Salah was fouled in the build-up to Enzo Fernandez’s goal. VAR reviewed the incident but chose not to intervene, allowing the goal to stand. Wright said the goal should have been disallowed.
Q: How many goals has Lionel Messi scored at the 2026 World Cup? Messi has scored eight goals in the tournament, putting him top of the Golden Boot race. He scored twice in the comeback win over Egypt.
Q: Who could England face in the knockout stages? If England win their quarter-final against Norway, they would play the winner of Argentina vs Colombia or Switzerland in the semi-finals.
What happens next? Argentina will face either Colombia or Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Should they win, a potential semi-final against England or Norway awaits. The Golden Boot race will continue as the tournament progresses, with Mbappe and Haaland still in contention. The World Cup quarter-finals are set, and the tournament will conclude with the final later in July.