What happened?

Argentina turned a 2‑1 deficit into a win against Brazil in the World Cup 2026 round of 16, and Tom Brady likened that feat to the Patriots' famous comeback in Super Bowl LI. Lionel Messi’s goal in the 88th minute sealed the victory, leaving fans stunned.

Why did Brady make the comparison?

Brady, who experienced one of the greatest turnarounds in American football, saw a similar scene in Argentina’s fight: a team appearing beaten but finding the strength to reverse the score in the final minutes. "It’s like when the Patriots were down 28‑3 and still won," the former quarterback said in a Fox News interview.

What does this mean for Argentina?

The win pushes Argentina into the quarter‑finals and extends their three‑match winning streak (3W‑0D‑0L). Their last official result was a 2‑0 victory over Angola on 2025‑11‑14, showing defensive solidity. Messi, with seven goals in four games, remains the tournament’s top scorer, cementing his leadership.

What’s next for the squad?

Riding high on morale, manager Lionel Scaloni will aim to keep the intensity against the next opponent, France. Brady’s comparison adds media pressure but also fuels the team’s resolve to repeat the resilience shown. If they maintain this level, Argentina could reach the final and write a new chapter in world football.

Key fact: the win over Brazil featured Messi’s second tournament goal, bringing his total to seven.

How does this affect international perception?

The NFL analogy boosts Argentina’s visibility beyond traditional soccer circles. U.S. commentators now cite the Albiceleste as a super‑overcoming example, potentially translating into greater commercial and broadcast interest for the remaining World Cup matches.

Latest data: Argentina continues its best recent form, with three straight wins and no draws or losses.