Lionel Messi overtakes Diego Maradona to etch his name in Prestigious World Cup Record

Defending champions Argentina produced one of the tournament's most dramatic comebacks, storming back from 2-0 down with three unanswered goals in the final 15 minutes to edge Egypt 3-2 and advance to the quarterfinals.

Egypt stunned the Albiceleste early. Yasser Ibrahim powered home a header from a 15th-minute corner. Argentina dominated possession but missed a golden chance when Mostafa Shobeir saved Lionel Messi's penalty. Mostafa Ziko doubled Egypt's lead in the 67th minute, leaving the two-time defending champions staring at a shock exit.

The fightback was electric. Cristian Romero bundled in a 79th-minute equalizer (assisted by Messi), and Messi himself lashed home a half-volley four minutes later to level the score. Deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernández rose highest to head home the winner in the 92nd minute-his strike also marking the 3,000th goal in World Cup history.

The match showcased Argentina's champion mentality and Messi's enduring magic despite the missed spot-kick. Egypt, inspired by Mohamed Salah, fought valiantly and nearly pulled off a historic upset. Argentina now march on, battle-hardened, while Egypt exit with immense pride after a memorable campaign.

Lionel Messi creates World Cup Record

Lionel Messi now has 9 assists to his name, and the Argentine has overtaken Diego Maradona as the player with the most assists in World Cups.

Lionel Messi Assists in FIFA World Cup

All assists for Lionel Messi in World Cups-

WC 2006

1 - Assist for Hernán Crespo vs Serbia & Montenegro

WC 2010

2 - Assist for Carlos Tévez vs Mexico

WC 2014

3 - Assist for Ángel Di María vs Switzerland

WC 2018

4 - Assist for Gabriel Mercado vs France
5 - Assist for Sergio Agüero vs France

WC 2022

6 - Assist for Enzo Fernandez vs Mexico
7 - Assist for Nahuel Molina vs Netherlands
8 - Assist for Julián Álvarez vs Croatia

WC 2026

9 - Assist for Cristian Romero vs Egypt