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Lionel Messi, dancing his "last dance" at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has propelled Argentina into the quarterfinals. Messi scored a goal and provided an assist during the Round of 16 match against Egypt held in Atlanta on July 7 (local time), leading his team to a dramatic comeback victory. / Courtesy of AP, Yonhap News

Defending champions Argentina have pulled off a miraculous escape from the brink of elimination. Spearheaded by Lionel Messi, the Albiceleste orchestrated a stunning comeback from two goals down to secure their spot in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the process, Messi bagged another goal to stay ahead in the Golden Boot race, keeping a fierce chasing pack led by Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland at bay.

The side managed by Lionel Scaloni clinched a 3-2 victory over Egypt in their Round of 16 clash in Atlanta on July 7 (local time). Trailing 0-2 until the 67th minute and staring exit in the face, Argentina produced a breathtaking display of concentration to net three goals in a frantic ten-minute window late in the second half.

Egypt broke the deadlock in the 14th minute through Yasser Ibrahim and doubled their lead via Mostafa Ziko in the 67th minute, leaving Argentina's hopes looking bleak. Egypt had actually found the net earlier in the 58th minute as well, but the goal was chalked off following a VAR review that spotted a foul on Lisandro Martínez, handing Argentina a crucial lifeline.

The fightback sparked alive late in the game. In the 79th minute, Cristian Romero ignited hopes of a revival by heading home a pinpoint cross from Messi. Just four minutes later, Messi himself drew his side level, reactively slotting home a right-footed shot after the ball broke loose in a crowded penalty area. The dramatic winner arrived in stoppage time when Enzo Fernández directed a header into the back of the net from a Lautaro Martínez cross.

It had been a frustrating night for Messi up until that point, having seen his 18th-minute penalty saved—after winning it himself—and a 31st-minute free kick rattle the woodwork. Yet, when it mattered most, he took center stage with a goal and an assist to spearhead the turnaround. As the final whistle blew, Messi was seen crying tears of relief, and Scaloni was equally overcome with emotion.

"We created so many chances, but sometimes this is just what happens in football," Scaloni said post-match. "I became a manager to keep experiencing these exact emotions after retiring as a player. It isn't about simply liking the job itself."

"What we achieved tonight compares to the many great moments we've had before. It was deeply emotional. Like Lionel Messi said back in Qatar, these players will never leave their people stranded," Scaloni emphasized. "The match always belonged to Argentina. The team was facing the challenge head-on."

He added with a smile, "I shed tears in the dressing room; the players call me a 'crybaby' now. After getting the equalizer, they genuinely believed they could win it. They did it themselves. Football is about tactics and strategy, but it is also about heart."

Praising his captain, Scaloni noted, "Messi kept demanding the ball without pause. Watching that gives you goosebumps. It is difficult to put into words what Messi feels in these moments."

Lautaro Martínez echoed those sentiments: "It was an incredibly tough match. What we displayed tonight is something we haven't seen in a long time. Trailing 0-2 with only a few minutes left on the clock, we reaffirmed our grit, humility, and spirit of sacrifice."

"Watching Messi play, it's deeply moving to see how he improves day by day," Martínez added. "After the match, I told him it's completely fine to cry—that he earned the right to. This team never gives up; we fight until the very end. This is a match that will be remembered for ages."

Messi's goal also carries immense weight in the Golden Boot standings. With Mbappé and Haaland applying heavy pressure with goals of their own, Messi responded instantly to consolidate his lead at the top. With Harry Kane trailing by just two goals as well, the race for the Golden Boot remains entirely up in the air as the tournament heads into its final stages.

Crucially, all four superstars—Messi, Mbappé, Haaland, and Kane—are maintaining an extraordinary scoring pace of roughly one goal per game. Given their explosive form, where multi-goal outings are a regular occurrence, the rankings could shift on the back of a single match. The race is bound to get hotter now that all four players have guided their respective nations into the final eight, guaranteeing them at least one more match to add to their tallies.

While defensive lines are expected to tighten as the knockout stages progress, the influence of these superstars who deliver in clutch moments is only likely to grow. With all the major title contenders surviving the round, the battle for the top scorer award shapes up to be a historic race that will run right down to the final match.

By scoring three goals in a blistering ten-minute spell, Argentina wrapped up a dramatic 3-2 victory over a Mohamed Salah-led Egypt to reach the quarterfinals. With Messi's goal hunt set to continue, Argentina will face the winner of the Round of 16 matchup between Colombia and Switzerland for a place in the semifinals.

                                                                                                        Cheon Hyun-bin