Messi Shatters Records as Argentina Stages Thrilling Comeback Against Egypt in World Cup Quarterfinals

Lionel Messi delivered a masterful performance to lead Argentina to a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Egypt, securing their place in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. His goal and assist at Atlanta Stadium added to an already unparalleled list of World Cup records.

Despite a missed penalty opportunity in the first half, Messi extended his unwanted record as the player with the most missed World Cup penalties in history, now totaling four—doubling the previous mark of two held by Asamoah Gyan.

Undeterred, Messi orchestrated the comeback in the 78th minute, delivering a precise cross for Cristian Romero to head home and spark one of the greatest World Cup rallies. That assist moved him to nine in World Cup history since 1966, making him the most prolific playmaker in the modern era of the competition. While Pelé and Fritz Walter’s pre-1966 records sit at ten, Messi surpassed Diego Maradona’s eight assists, cementing his status as Argentina’s all-time leading provider.

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after the 3-2 victory (Elsa/Getty Images).

Messi and a record-breaking goal

The equaliser came in the 83rd minute, with Gonzalo Montiel laying the ball off inside the box for Messi to unleash a half-volley that rattled the bar before finding the net. The strike not only pushed Argentina toward the greatest comeback in World Cup history but also elevated his 2026 tally to eight goals, setting a new personal record for most goals in a single World Cup edition by an Argentine player.

With eight goals, Messi joins an elite group including Just Fontaine (13), Sándor Kocsis (11), Gerd Müller (10), Ademir de Menezes (9), and Eusebio (9) in the single-tournament goal-scoring rankings. He also matched Kylian Mbappé and Ronaldo Nazário’s mark, while equaling Guillermo Stabile’s 1930 record that had stood as Argentina’s single-edition benchmark for nearly a century.

He extended his record for scoring in consecutive World Cup matches, with Egypt marking the ninth straight game in which he found the net. A historic milestone was added to this run: Messi became the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup knockout-stage matches, surpassing Brazil’s Leonidas da Silva and Vava, and Hungary’s György Sarosi, who each managed five.

At 39 years and 13 days old, Messi became the oldest player to score and assist in a single World Cup match, eclipsing Swedish legend Nils Liedholm’s 1958 record at 35. His feat underscores his enduring dominance in a sport increasingly dominated by younger stars.

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