Lionel Messi could not hold back his emotions after another dramatic World Cup triumph, breaking down in tears as he was embraced by his Argentina teammates at Atlanta Stadium. The veteran forward had just experienced another extraordinary chapter in his international career, one that looked close to ending in disappointment before a stunning late turnaround.

The holders appeared to be heading out when Egypt built a two-goal advantage with less than 20 minutes remaining. Messi was shown on the stadium screens looking devastated as Argentina faced the possibility of a shock elimination.

At that moment, the Argentine captain’s emotions could have reflected the heartbreak suffered by Cristiano Ronaldo, who had already made an emotional World Cup exit after Portugal’s injury-time defeat by Spain.

However, Argentina refused to accept defeat. In a remarkable 14-minute spell, they scored three times to complete one of the tournament’s most dramatic comebacks and keep their title defence alive.

Messi’s magic appears when Argentina need him most

Although Messi is now 39 and no longer relies on constant movement, his influence remains enormous. He saves his energy, studies the game, and waits for the moments when his quality can change everything.

The physical side of his game may have changed, but his intelligence and ability to decide matches remain untouched. Against Egypt, he once again proved that his instincts and vision can still transform the biggest occasions.

Egypt had taken control through goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico, while goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a brilliant performance to frustrate Argentina. Zico had earlier thought he had scored again, but his effort was ruled out by VAR after a foul was spotted elsewhere in the build-up.

Messi himself missed a first-half penalty, with Shobeir making the save. It was another difficult moment from the spot for the Argentine, who failed to convert two penalties during the tournament — becoming the only player, excluding shootouts, to miss two World Cup penalties in a single edition.

Argentina complete a stunning comeback

Despite their struggles, Argentina found their response when the pressure was at its highest. With only 11 minutes remaining, Messi delivered a crucial cross that allowed Cristian Romero to reduce the deficit with a header.

Just over four minutes later, the captain produced the moment only he could create, sending a powerful left-footed strike beyond Shobeir and into the net after the ball went in off the crossbar.

Egypt continued to fight until the end, but their hopes disappeared in stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez scored with a header to complete the turnaround.

The scenes after the final whistle showed the scale of the escape. Messi was lifted into the air by his teammates while Argentina’s supporters remained in the stands, celebrating with songs and drums long after the match had finished.

Messi’s brilliance creates problems for England

The victory also changed the possible route to the final for England. When Egypt were leading 2-0, there was a sense that England’s chances of reaching their first men’s World Cup final since 1966 had improved significantly.

A possible path involving Norway in the quarterfinals and Egypt, Switzerland, or Colombia in the next round had appeared. Instead, Argentina remain a potential obstacle, with Messi still standing in their way.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson described the match as extraordinary, highlighting Argentina’s revival and Egypt’s frustration over refereeing decisions. He also praised Messi’s decisive contribution, pointing to his assist, his goal, and the impact of Argentina’s substitutions.

Messi’s numbers underline his influence. He became the first player in World Cup history to score in six consecutive knockout-stage matches and now has eight goals in this tournament. He has also played a direct role in 16 goals across his last nine World Cup games, with 13 goals and three assists.

Champions find a way to survive

Argentina’s latest escape was not only about Messi. Lionel Scaloni’s team showed the resilience expected from champions, combining individual quality with determination and a refusal to surrender.

The team’s ability to overcome difficult situations have remained one of their defining qualities. Even when they struggle, they continue searching for a way back into matches — and having Messi gives them an extra source of belief.

This comeback became the latest example of World Cup drama, with Argentina recovering from a two-goal deficit later than any team had ever done before in the competition without requiring extra time. According to Opta’s win probability data, Argentina had only a 0.6% chance of winning when Romero scored.

Among the many memorable moments of the tournament, this match stood out for its emotion and intensity. Messi’s tears at the end showed that, despite his experience and achievements, the World Cup still carries the same power to create unforgettable feelings.

Switzerland and Colombia will meet in the last-16 stage of the FIFA World Cup with both nations hoping to reach the quarter-finals once again. Each country has previously reached the final eight at the tournament, and one of them will secure another appearance among the competition’s best eight teams at BC Place Vancouver.

The match will take place at a stadium that has already become familiar territory for Switzerland, as this will be their third consecutive game at the venue during the tournament. Murat Yakin’s team arrived at this stage after defeating Canada 2-1 in their Group B finale before overcoming Algeria 2-0 in the round of 32.

The Swiss victory over Algeria marked their first World Cup knockout success since 1938, with Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye providing the goals that sent them through.

Switzerland continue impressive world cup run

Switzerland has enjoyed one of their strongest tournament campaigns, recording three victories at a single World Cup for the first time in their history. They have also achieved three consecutive wins at the finals for the first time ever.

Johan Manzambi has been one of the standout performers, producing a brilliant individual move and assist for Embolo against Algeria. His contribution was his fifth direct goal involvement at this World Cup, with three goals and two assists. At 20 years and 261 days old, he became the youngest player on record to reach that mark.

Only Thomas Müller of Germany in 2010 has recorded more goal contributions in a World Cup edition before turning 21 over the past 60 years, with five goals and three assists.

Embolo’s goal against Algeria was his fourth at the World Cup. Only Josef Hügi, with six, and Xherdan Shaqiri, with five, have scored more for Switzerland at the tournament. Yakin has also written his name into the national team’s history, collecting five wins from eight World Cup matches as coach and achieving the highest win percentage of any Switzerland manager at the finals.

Last 5 Switzerland matches stats

Colombia look to repeat success from 2014

Colombia entered the match aiming to reach the same stage achieved by their 2014 team, when James Rodríguez became the leading figure of their World Cup campaign with six goals.

Twelve years later, Rodríguez has become Colombia’s record appearance holder at the tournament. However, he was replaced at half-time during the 1-0 round-of-16 victory over Ghana.

Jhon Arias gave Colombia an early advantage with a volley scored after 13 minutes and 49 seconds, becoming the second-fastest scorer in the nation’s World Cup history. Only Pablo Armero’s goal against Greece in 2014 arrived earlier.

The goal came after a superb delivery from Luis Suárez, who had entered the match in the sixth minute as a replacement for Jhon Córdoba. It was the earliest World Cup goal contribution ever recorded by a substitute.

Last 5 Colombia matches stats

Previous meetings and important numbers

Colombia has shown attacking ambition during the tournament, registering their highest expected goals total in a World Cup knockout match with 2.19 xG. They have also produced at least 20 shots in each of their last three games, a run matched by only a few teams in World Cup history.

Despite creating many chances, Colombia have scored only twice during that period, with their expected goals per shot figure of 0.08 being the lowest among the remaining teams in the competition.

Defensively, however, Néstor Lorenzo’s side have been difficult to break down. Colombia have kept three consecutive clean sheets at the World Cup for the first time, with only Spain and Mexico recording more during this tournament.

Switzerland and Colombia have faced each other four times in all competitions. Three of those meetings were friendlies, with the latest coming in March 2007, when Colombia won 3-1 through goals from Edixon Perea, Jhon Viafara, and Andres Chitiva.

Their only competitive meeting came during the 1994 World Cup group stage, when Colombia earned a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Hermán Gaviria and Harold Lozano. However, that result did not stop Colombia from being eliminated from the tournament.

In 2026, Colombia have struggled against European opposition, failing to win any of their three matches against teams from the continent. They lost friendlies against Croatia and France before drawing 0-0 with Portugal in their final Group K match.

Past H2H Results

Prediction and expected outcome

Switzerland and Colombia are expected to produce a closely contested last-16 battle between two teams with strong defensive records and ambitions of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals. Switzerland enter the match with confidence after three consecutive victories at the tournament and a growing attacking threat led by players such as Breel Embolo and Johan Manzambi. Colombia, however, will be difficult to break down after keeping three straight clean sheets and showing their ability to compete against strong opponents. The Swiss are likely to control more possession, while Colombia will look to use their creativity and attacking movement to create opportunities. With both teams showing defensive organisation, the match could remain tight for long periods before individual quality decides the outcome. Switzerland’s recent form and tournament experience give them a slight advantage, but Colombia’s resilience means an upset would not be surprising.

Prediction: Switzerland 1-0 Colombia

Expected outcome: A narrow Switzerland victory that sends them into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954, while Colombia’s strong defensive performances continue to highlight their progress on the international stage. The match is expected to be decided by small moments, with Switzerland’s attacking efficiency and confidence giving them the edge in a balanced encounter.

Argentina will continue their FIFA World Cup campaign with a last-16 meeting against Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday, with Lionel Messi once again chasing another place in tournament history. The reigning champions progressed after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cape Verde, where they twice let their advantage disappear before Cristian Romero’s late header, helped by a deflection off Diney Borges, secured qualification.

Messi opened the scoring in that contest, taking his tally for the tournament to seven goals. He became the first footballer to score at least seven times in two separate World Cups, although Kylian Mbappé later matched that achievement by converting the decisive penalty in France’s victory over Paraguay. Erling Haaland has also reached seven goals in his debut World Cup after scoring twice against Brazil to send Norway into the quarter-finals against England.

Victory over Egypt would also keep alive Argentina’s pursuit of another landmark. Having scored at least twice in each of their previous 10 World Cup matches, they could equal Uruguay’s run from 1930 to 1954 by finding the net at least two times in 11 consecutive games.

Argentina chasing more records

Messi has another individual target within reach. A goal against Egypt would see him join Guillermo Stabile as the only Argentine player to score eight goals at a single World Cup. It would also make him just the sixth player to score in each of his country’s opening five matches at one edition of the tournament, alongside Just Fontaine, Jairzinho, Gerd Müller, Rivaldo, and James Rodríguez.

Argentina’s demanding schedule has created fitness concerns ahead of the knockout tie. The exhausting conditions in Miami, combined with the limited recovery time, have left Lionel Scaloni hoping his squad can regain full strength before Tuesday’s encounter.

Facundo Medina was forced off with a severe cramp against Cape Verde, while Enzo Fernández and Nicolás González both battled through the closing stages despite physical problems after Argentina had used all of their substitutions. Scaloni admitted his side had little choice but to defend deep during the closing minutes.

“We had no substitutions left near the end, several players suffered from cramps, and we simply had to defend with everything we had,” Scaloni said. “When you’re not at your best, you have to protect the result. Advancing was what mattered most, and now we’ll work on correcting our mistakes.”

Last 5 Argentina matches stats

Egypt looking to continue impressive run

Egypt secured their place in the last 16 after overcoming Australia on penalties following a 1-1 draw. Their success ensured they remained unbeaten in the competition and moved them one victory away from becoming only the fifth African nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals after Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana, and Morocco.

Although Egypt have allowed nine goals across their previous six World Cup fixtures, they have also found the net eight times during that stretch. If they both score and concede again against Argentina, they will become only the second African side after Ghana to do so in seven consecutive World Cup matches.

Mohamed Salah entered the Australia game carrying a hamstring issue, creating uncertainty over his availability. Despite that concern, the forward completed all 120 minutes and confidently converted a chipped penalty during the shootout.

Salah has also been one of the tournament’s leading creators, producing 16 chances so far. Two more against Argentina would see him equal Kevin-Prince Boateng’s African World Cup record of 18, set with Ghana in 2010. Should Egypt eliminate Argentina, they will face either Colombia or Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

Last 5 Egypt matches stats

Previous meetings and notable statistics

Argentina and Egypt have never previously met at a World Cup. Their most recent encounter came in a friendly in Cairo in 2008, when Argentina recorded a 2-0 victory through goals from Sergio Agüero and Nicolás Burdisso, while Messi was unavailable because of injury.

The South American side has also enjoyed an impressive run against African opposition at the World Cup, winning each of its last eight such matches. Two of those victories have already come during the current tournament against Algeria and Cape Verde.

No nation has ever defeated three African opponents during the same World Cup edition. Argentina has the opportunity to establish that record if they overcome Egypt and continue their march through the knockout rounds.

Past H2H Results

Prediction and expected outcome

Argentina enter this match as clear favourites due to their recent World Cup success, attacking quality, and Lionel Messi’s outstanding form throughout the tournament. Lionel Scaloni’s side have shown strong goalscoring consistency, finding the net at least twice in their last 10 World Cup matches, while their experience in high-pressure knockout games gives them a significant advantage. Egypt, however, has already shown resilience by reaching the last 16 unbeaten and possesses enough attacking threat through Mohamed Salah to trouble Argentina’s defence. The Pharaohs are capable of making the match difficult with their organization, discipline, and ability to compete in tight encounters. The most likely scenario is Argentina controlling possession and creating more chances, while Egypt focuses on defensive structure and quick counter-attacks. Argentina’s individual quality and greater tournament experience should eventually prove decisive, but Egypt has the tools to make the contest competitive.

Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Egypt

Expected outcome: A narrow Argentina victory that sends them into the quarter-finals, with Messi continuing his impressive World Cup campaign. Egypt are likely to provide a strong challenge and could threaten on the break, but Argentina’s attacking depth and big-game experience should help them secure progression. While Argentina are the favourites, Egypt’s unbeaten run means a surprise result cannot be completely ruled out.

Spain’s triumph at the 2010 World Cup was remembered for its possession-based football, guided by the creativity of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, the finishing of David Villa, and the influence of a strong Barcelona core under Vicente del Bosque. Their patient passing game ended with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final, securing the country’s first world title.

Sixteen years later, Spain has once again reached the latter stages of the competition after another 1-0 knockout victory over Portugal, matching the scoreline from their meeting in Cape Town. They are now only three victories away from lifting the trophy for a second time.

This campaign, however, has been shaped less by attacking flair than by remarkable defensive consistency. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes the team’s greatest strength is its collective mentality, describing a squad in which every player shares the same commitment and approach.

Collective commitment at the heart of Spain’s success

Although Spain possess an impressive group of attacking players, including Mikel Oyarzabal, the returning Lamine Yamal, and midfield orchestrator Pedri alongside Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, their progress has been built on resilience without the ball.

Luis de la Fuente’s side has advanced to the quarter-finals without conceding once and remains the only team at the tournament yet to allow a goal after Mexico’s defence was breached three times by England in the round of 16. Their achievement has also earned a place in World Cup history, as Spain became the first nation to register six consecutive clean sheets, surpassing the previous record shared by Italy and Switzerland.

Their defensive streak now stretches to 10 hours and nine minutes without conceding in the competition, dating back to the goalless last-16 match at the 2022 World Cup that Morocco eventually won on penalties. Following the victory over Portugal, De la Fuente credited the achievement to teamwork, highlighting solidarity, sacrifice, constant effort, and the willingness of every player to work for one another while remaining faithful to the team’s football philosophy.

Simon and the back line rewrite the record books

Goalkeeper Unai Simon has played a central role in Spain’s defensive record, extending his run without conceding at the World Cup to 609 minutes. His achievement surpassed the previous benchmarks established by Italy’s Walter Zenga and Spain legend Iker Casillas.

Balague noted that Portugal controlled long spells of the last-16 encounter but failed to produce the decisive attacking quality. He added that Spain’s defenders consistently solved problems together, tracked back effectively, and limited the need for spectacular saves from Simon.

In front of the goalkeeper, Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi have formed the central defensive partnership, while Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella have occupied the full-back positions. That combination has started three of Spain’s five matches at the tournament, with Marcos Llorente replacing Porro in the remaining two fixtures.

Balague also praised Rodri’s recent performances, describing him as the team’s guiding presence. He added that Laporte and Cubarsi complement each other perfectly because they suit Spain’s style of building play from the back while remaining comfortable defending large spaces behind the defensive line.

Confidence grows before another major test

Spain’s years following their 2010 success have included mixed fortunes. They successfully defended their European Championship title in 2012, but later endured two World Cup group-stage eliminations before exiting in the first knockout round four years ago.

Now competing as reigning European champions, they appear to have assembled another squad capable of challenging for football’s biggest prize. Former England striker Chris Sutton believes Spain have additional levels to reach despite not producing their best display against Portugal.

Sutton said the team’s defensive reliability should concern every remaining opponent and suggested that a potential meeting with France would represent their greatest examination, provided both nations progress. He believes Spain has the quality to overcome France but would need to deliver an almost flawless performance.

Before any possible semi-final showdown, De la Fuente’s team will attempt to extend their outstanding defensive run when they face Belgium in Friday’s quarter-final.