What happened in the clash with Egypt?

Argentina staged a dramatic comeback against Egypt, finishing 2‑2 in regular time and winning 3‑2 on penalties. Lionel Messi’s goal, his seventh of the tournament, put him atop the scoring chart. The July 7 match featured a missed penalty and an annulled goal that sparked controversy.

How did the refereeing controversy affect the game?

Referee François Letexier disallowed an Egyptian goal for a minimal foul, a decision the VAR did not overturn because it was not a clear error. The debate over VAR consistency grew, yet the referee’s defense held firm. Despite the uproar, Argentina stayed composed and clinched victory in the final minutes.

What does this win mean for the national side?

The win places Argentina among the world’s top eight and guarantees a quarter‑final slot against Switzerland at 22:00. The squad arrives on a three‑match winning streak (3W‑0D‑0L) and continues to display the quality that keeps it a favorite. Messi, with 7 goals in 4 appearances, leads the race for the Golden Boot, ahead of Mbappé and Haaland.

What’s next for Argentina?

The next test will be against Switzerland, a game that will test the team’s resilience. After the comeback, the coaching staff aims to keep intensity and focus high. In the broader campaign, the last official result was a 2‑0 win over Angola (2025‑11‑14), bolstering the squad’s confidence.

What did the players say?

Lautaro Martínez called the night “very tough, what we did I didn’t see coming”. Leandro Paredes added the team doesn’t want this to be Lionel Messi’s last match and that motivation stays high. On social media, Messi hailed the strike as “the goal of my life”.