Lionel Messi etched his name even deeper into FIFA World Cup history on Tuesday, breaking another long-standing record as he inspired Argentina to a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Already the competition's all-time leading goalscorer, Messi surpassed Argentina icon Diego Maradona to become the player with the most assists in World Cup history. His cross for Cristian Romero's goal was his ninth assist in the tournament, moving him ahead of Maradona's tally of eight.
The Argentina captain then added another milestone moments later by scoring the equaliser, becoming the first footballer to reach 20 World Cup goals. He also extended his remarkable streak of scoring in nine consecutive World Cup matches.
Messi finished with a goal and an assist as Argentina recovered from a two-goal deficit to secure an improbable 3-2 victory after trailing with only 11 minutes remaining.
The defending champions will now meet either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who was overcome with emotion after the final whistle, struck in the 83rd minute to level the contest at 2-2. The goal was also his record-extending 21st in World Cup history.
Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround with a stoppage-time winner after Cristian Romero had sparked the comeback by pulling a goal back in the 79th minute.
Argentina had earlier found themselves 2-0 behind following goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico.
Messi had endured a frustrating first half, seeing his penalty saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir before later striking the post while Argentina trailed 1-0.
Argentina remain on course to become the first nation to retain the FIFA World Cup title since Brazil achieved the feat by winning consecutive tournaments in 1958 and 1962.
