Messi Scores His 21st World Cup Goal in Epic Comeback — Plus: How to Choose the Right Jersey Size Before the Quarterfinals

The Greatest Comeback of the 2026 World Cup

Argentina 3–2 Egypt: 23 Minutes That Will Never Be Forgotten

Argentina launched an amazing late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 on Tuesday to take their place in the quarter-finals. Egypt looked on course for a last-eight slot after taking a 2-0 lead in the second half but Argentina fought back with just 11 minutes remaining, scoring three goals in dramatic fashion.

The sequence of events was almost impossible to believe as it happened:

15' — Yasser Ibrahim 0-1 — Egypt shocked the world champions early. Argentina trailed for the first time in this tournament.

21' — Messi misses penalty — The greatest player of all time stepped up and missed. The Albiceleste were rattled.

67' — Mostafa Zico 0-2 — Egypt doubled their lead. Argentina had a great chance to equalize, but Lionel Messi missed a penalty kick in the 21st minute. After also missing a penalty against Austria, Messi has now missed his last two World Cup penalty kicks. The shock of the tournament seemed to be happening.

VAR reprieve — The shock of the tournament appeared to be in the 55th minute when Egypt broke away and buried what appeared to be a second goal. However, the VAR flagged a foul in the buildup and waved the goal off. Egypt were denied what would have been 2-0 at the time. It changed everything.

79' — Cristian Romero 1-2 — The comeback begins. Argentina find a way back.

83' — Lionel Messi 2-2 — Messi pounced like a tiger onto the loose ball. His lashed strike was unstoppable, hitting off Shobeir's hand, off the crossbar and over the line for the 83rd-minute equalizer. His 21st World Cup goal. A new record — again.

90'+2' — Enzo Fernández 3-2 — Messi played a ball into the box that was deflected high into the air and was nodded down by one of his teammates. The ball pinged around and Enzo Fernández received a cross in the middle of the box from Lautaro Martínez and headed in the go-ahead goal. Stoppage time winner. Argentina are through.

Argentina scored three unanswered goals from the 79th minute on to beat Egypt 3-2. Messi's goal put him back in the lead of the Golden Boot race. Messi scored his eighth goal of this World Cup, the most of any player in the tournament.

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Switzerland 0–0 Colombia (4–3 on penalties)

In the afternoon game, Colombia and Switzerland battled to a draw before a dramatic shootout.

Switzerland needed a penalty shootout to dump Colombia out of the 2026 World Cup, advancing 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless 120 minutes. The result sees the Swiss go back to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954.

After a Luis Díaz make, Rubén Vargas buries home the decisive kick and Switzerland wins on penalties 4-3. Davinson Sánchez missed as the ball hit the bar — Colombia's tournament is over.

Switzerland vs Argentina in Kansas City on Saturday. The Swiss go back to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954, where they will play the defending champions, Argentina.

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The Complete Quarterfinal Bracket

The tournament's four best stories in four quarterfinals. Morocco, the African giants who keep winning. France, Mbappé chasing history. Norway, the impossible story. Argentina, Messi breaking records nobody thought possible. And Spain, Belgium, England, Switzerland — the technically brilliant European sides who have all earned their place.

Golden Boot Race — Final R16 Update

How to Choose the Right Jersey Size Before the Quarterfinals

The quarterfinals begin tomorrow. If you're ordering a jersey now and want it before the semifinals, you need to order today. Here's how to get the size right first time.

Why Sizing Matters More Than You Think

A World Cup jersey is not an ordinary t-shirt. The fabric is engineered for athletic performance — lightweight, moisture-wicking, and cut to an athletic fit. That means they run differently from regular clothing, and getting the size wrong is the most common mistake fans make when ordering online.

The Two Types of Fit

Athletic fit (standard) — How the jersey is designed to be worn. Sits close to the body, shows your shape, ideal if you plan to actually play in it or wear it to the stadium.

Casual fit — Size up one from your normal athletic fit. More comfortable for everyday wear, works over a t-shirt or base layer, ideal for watch parties and street wear.

Complete Size Guide

The golden rule: If you're between sizes, always go up. A jersey that's slightly loose is always more comfortable than one that's too tight — and it looks better in photos too.

Which Teams Are Selling Out Fastest

Based on current demand, these sizes are moving fastest and most likely to sell out before the quarterfinals:

• Argentina — M and L are the highest demand sizes globally
• Morocco — S and M are selling fast across European and African markets
• France — M and L are in highest demand
• Norway — M is the fastest-moving size — the surprise bestseller of the tournament

Shipping Timeline

Order today and you'll receive your jersey in time for the semifinals (July 14–15) anywhere in the continental USA. International orders placed today will arrive before the final (July 19) in most major markets.

The Argentina Jersey Right Now

The Argentina 2026 jersey — blue and white gradient stripes, three-star crest, Messi's 21 World Cup goals behind it — is not just the most popular jersey at this tournament. It is one of the most significant sports collectibles of 2026.

Messi has now scored 21 all-time World Cup goals. He has broken his own record twice in this tournament alone. He missed a penalty and still delivered the equalizer. He is 39 years old and playing the best knockout football of his career.

The Argentina jersey right now is worth owning regardless of what happens in the quarterfinals. Whatever the result on Saturday, you'll want the shirt that was there.

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Published: July 8, 2026. Rest day before quarterfinals. QF1 Morocco vs France Thursday July 9 · 4pm ET · Boston. Full quarterfinal schedule above.