Five Things We Learned from Argentina 3-2 Egypt
Five Things We Learned from Argentina 3-2 Egypt
Lionel Messi's late arrival was more than welcomed by the world champions, who came back from two goals down to win 3-2 against Egypt in Atlanta, Georgia, to put an end to a fiery Egypt performance and remarkable World Cup run.
Here are five things we learned from this World Cup classic.
1. Messi Is Not Immortal
Lionel Messi once again made a massive mistake from 12 yards - as alien as he is in open play, penalties do not seem to be his strong suit.
His record now sits at four scored and four missed out of eight attempts, excluding shootouts. Furthermore, he has now become the first player in FIFA World Cup history to miss two spot-kicks in a single World Cup tournament.
In fact, the only penalty La Albiceleste have actually scored this tournament was Lautaro Martinez against Jordan in their final group game.
It was another poor effort from the spot, but a brilliant stop from the Egyptian 'keeper.
Messi MISSES another penalty 🙅♂️
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 7, 2026
Egypt's keeper Mostafa Shobeir throws himself at the ball to stop
Argentina capitalising on a foul on Nicolas Tagliafico 🫨 pic.twitter.com/O3RuRaU5aa
He still flipped the game on its head late on, so who had the last laugh?
2. How Many Times Are We Going to Mention Bl*ody Goalkeepers
Today again was another brilliant example of just how good some goalkeepers have been this World Cup.
Even in recent days, this has continued, with Jordan Pickford; Diogo Costa; and Orjan Nyland all putting in some outrageous performances in their last 16 ties - even if it was only Pickford who ended up on the winning side.
Mostafa Shobeir was absolutely outstanding today, despite such a heartbreaking end. A penalty save, and three other very crucial stops to give his side a chance in producing a historic upset, but it wasn't to be.
3. Disallowed Goal Proves Vital
With the score at 1-0 at around the 60th minute mark, Mohamed Salah hunted down Lisandro Martinez to win the ball back before rushing the length of the pitch, playing in Haissem Hassan before Mostafa Ziko eventually finished it off to round up one of the best goals of the competition.
However, just when Egypt thought they had found a prized two-goal lead, VAR intervened and overturned the goal in cruel fashion.
It was seen that there was a tug of Martinez's shirt when the ball was won, and the referee soon ruled out the goal and awarded an Argentine free-kick.
Although Egypt did soon earn themselves a two-goal cushion, who knows how the game would have played out if that goal stood.
Fine margins at the World Cup 😮💨
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 7, 2026
Egypt thought they had a second through Mostafa Zico, but VAR ruled it out after reviewing the build-up. pic.twitter.com/hUALWv613E
4. A Remarkable Journey Ends in Heartbreak
Egypt entered the United States not really knowing how they would get on, after missing the last World Cup in Qatar.
They were drawn into Group G alongside previous semi-finalists Belgium, Iran and New Zealand. Many expected Egypt to finish around second or third, and they very almost went one better.
After drawing to Belgium in the opening fixture, they comfortably cruised past the Kiwis in a 3-1 fashion. However, a draw with Iran on the final day blew their chances of topping the group.
Next facing Australia in the round of 32, the Aussies would have hoped to earn a revenge date with the World Champions in the last 16, after getting eliminated by them four years ago - but Egypt found a way, winning on penalties after the teams were inseparable after 120 minutes.
Now onto today, they came ever so close to booking their spot into the last eight of a World Cup for the first time. A 2-0 lead was blown, but many hearts were won tonight and Mo Salah's side put in an effort to forever be proud of.
WHAT A PICTURE! 🇦🇷👑 pic.twitter.com/zt8rVITiUA
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 7, 2026
5. Argentina Survive a Scare
After entering the second half hydration break two goals behind and lacking any real drive and hunger in the "third quarter," Argentina looked destined to bomb out of the World Cup in humiliating fashion.
With just 20 minutes before Messi's last dance could come to a crashing end, Argentina were desperate for any inspiration; and the 39-year-old maestro provided just that.
A stunning late display of hunger, passion and class, Lionel Messi was involved in two goals inside just four second half minutes to turn the tie completely on its head. Enzo Fernandez bailed them out late on, but wow what a classic that was.
Argentina have looked far from their best this tournament, but the World Champions keep finding a way to battle through any obstacles the world throws their way.
Louis Wheeldon 
Harry Pascoe 
Jake Brown 