Scaloni Credits Heart As Argentina Beats Egypt 3-2
Argentina mounted a dramatic comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, with Lionel Messi scoring in the 83rd minute after the team trailed 2-0. Egypt's coach disputed the result, claiming unfair officiating cost his side
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni believes his team secured victory through heart and determination, while Egypt manager Hossam Hassan angrily complained that his side lost due to unfair officiating, suggesting Messi's continued presence in the tournament may have been a factor.
In a thrilling 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match, defending champion Argentina edged past Egypt 3-2, booking passage to the semi-finals to await the winner of the Switzerland-Colombia clash on July 11.
Egypt took a 2-0 lead through goals from Yasser Ibrahim (minute 15) and Mostafa Ziko (minute 67), but Argentina mounted a dramatic comeback with Christian Romero (79'), Lionel Messi (83'), and Enzo Fernández (90+2) finding the net. Messi had missed a penalty kick in the 21st minute.
Scaloni commented: "Tactics are important, sure, but we would have been eliminated without what we showed in this match. Football may be about strategy, but it's also about heart and instinct. When the ball doesn't go in, we have to keep trying until the final whistle."
Hassan countered: "We played better, but our goal was inexplicably disallowed, and we were also denied a rightful penalty. This was an unjust loss. It's possible this was a marketing strategy to keep Messi in the tournament."
