Emotional captain Lionel Messi said he “suffered” during Argentina’s late comeback win over Egypt to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup 2026 – and head coach Lionel Scaloni could barely speak in a 12-second post-match interview.
Messi, who lashed in the 83rd-minute equaliser after his country had been behind with 12 minutes of regular time remaining, was in tears as he was thrown in the air by his teammates after the full-time whistle.
“I feel happiness for the qualification,” said the tournament top scorer. “It had gotten very tough. We suffered a lot again, but this is the World Cup.
“All the matches are turning out like this. It was a relief for everyone, given how the match played out. But this group never gives up and fights until the end.
“It’s crazy what this group did today.”
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World Cup 2026: Messi and Argentina overwhelmed by win
Scaloni, who guided his country to the title in 2022 in between winning the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, joined the likes of Messi and striker Julian Alvarez in crying on the pitch, having avoided a shock defeat to reach a quarter-final against Switzerland or Colombia on Sunday (02:00 BST).
The 48-year-old was overwhelmed after his team prevailed courtesy of Enzo Fernandez’s 93rd-minute header against the most successful team in Africa.
“I can’t look up,” said Scaloni, whose team beat Cape Verde after extra time in the last 32. “I’m sorry. I’m so emotional… what a group of players, brother.”
The former Albiceleste international then told the cameras to “leave it” after announcing: “That’s it – I have to go.”
Air Messi 💨😆
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 7, 2026
The Argentina captain was at the centre of celebrations 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/Kif2fb1UBD
Argentina vs Egypt: Messi ‘deserves it’
Messi could have equalised during the first half but had a penalty saved by Mostafa Shoubir, ensuring the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has missed four of the eight spot kicks he has taken at World Cup tournaments.
The 39-year-old set up Cristian Romero to score before netting his eighth goal of this edition from inside the box.
“When I saw Leo crying on the field, I told him that I cried because he deserves it,” said Lautaro Martinez, whose cross allowed Chelsea’s Fernandez to settle the last-16 tie.
“It was very difficult; what we’ve done tonight, I hadn’t seen in a long time. The opponents subdued us and competed with us a lot physically.
“It’s a group full of humility and sacrifice. It’s a match that’s going to be one for the memory books.”
Lionel Messi: Argentina captain ‘a great legend’
Yasser Ibrahim’s 15th-minute header gave the underdogs a lead they doubled when Mostafa Ziko struck in the 67th minute.
“Leo keeps proving what a great legend he is and we’re happy to be able to join him,” said Alvarez. “I’m not one to get emotional, but today I really felt it.
“[There is] joy and so much excitement. Living those last minutes on the bench was tremendous. I want to thank the people from the bottom of my heart for the support and encouragement.”
Enzo Fernandez: Argentina ‘phenomenal’ vs Egypt
Blues captain Fernandez had a tempestuously forgettable season at Stamford Bridge but praised a “phenomenal group” of Argentina players who “never give up”.
“I’ve been dreaming of that goal for three years,” added the midfielder. “We had to take advantage of those spaces that were given to us, and we did.
“I want to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, those who came to cheer us on and all the Argentinians who are in our country supporting us.
“We came to enjoy another World Cup and to represent our country. That’s what we’re doing.”
Messi World Cup fixtures: Confirmed schedule, kick off times
Here are Argentina’s fixtures, results and potential schedule, as well as how to watch in the UK.
Asterisk denotes a fixture starts on the previous day in the stated territory.
| Date | Match | Result | Stage | Time (BST) | ET | PT | Channel |
| June 17 | Algeria | 3-0 | Group | 02:00 | 21:00* | 18:00* | ITV |
| June 22 | Austria | 2-0 | Group | 18:00 | 13:00 | 10:00 | BBC |
| June 28 | Jordan | 3-1 | Group | 03:00 | 22:00* | 19:00* | BBC |
| July 3 | Cape Verde | 3-2 (AET) | Round of 32 | 23:00 | 18:00 | 15:00 | ITV |
| July 7 | Egypt | 3-2 | Round of 16 | 17:00 | 12:00 | 09:00 | TBC |
| July 12 | TBC | Quarter-finals | 02:00 | 21:00* | 18:00* | TBC | |
| July 15 | TBC | Semi-finals | 20:00 | 15:00 | 12:00 | TBC | |
| July 18 | TBC | Third-placed match | 22:00 | 17:00 | 14:00 | TBC | |
| July 19 | TBC | Final | 20:00 | 15:00 | 12:00 | BBC, ITV |
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