It seems that if they don’t suffer, it’s not Argentina. In a match that had all the ingredients to be a nightmare, the national team once again showed that they have a heart too big for their chest. They started losing 2-0 to Egypt, missed a penalty, and when all seemed lost, the fighting spirit appeared to turn the score around in stoppage time. Thus, with a 3-2 that unleashed madness in Atlanta, Scaloni’s team secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup.
The match started uphill. In the 15th minute, Yasser Ibrahim beat Lisandro Martínez in the air and made it 1-0. To make matters worse, five minutes later, Messi missed a penalty that could have changed the story. Egypt closed ranks and held the result, while Argentina searched without finding the way. Julián Álvarez and Mac Allister had chances, but goalkeeper Shoubir and the post denied the goal. At halftime, La Scaloneta was losing and with the feeling that the match was slipping away.
In the second half, the African team built a wall. And when it seemed there was no way in, a cold shower arrived: in the 67th minute, Mostafa Ziko took advantage of a counterattack and made it 2-0. Many then thought the match was over. But this team has something special. In the 80th minute, Cuti Romero, positioned as a center forward, headed a cross and pulled one back. The stadium exploded, and faith returned.
Ten minutes were left and Argentina went all out. A cross that Lautaro Martínez brought down, Julián Álvarez controlled with his back to goal, and Messi, arriving like a storm, pushed it into the back of the net. It was 2-2 and the match had become madness. The referee added seven minutes, but only three were needed. In a play that seemed lost, Lautaro Martínez sent in a cross that Enzo Fernández headed into the left post. Great goal, 3-2, and qualification to the quarterfinals.
Beyond the result, the team’s performance left doubts. Tagliafico and Paredes started and performed, but the forwards are not entirely convincing. Julián and Lautaro alternate good and bad, although they were key in the goals. Enzo Fernández was also not having a great match, but he appeared at the right moment. Individual quality saved a team that, collectively, still hasn’t found the ideal functioning.
Now the rival will be Switzerland, on Saturday at 10 p.m. at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas. The Swiss team comes from eliminating Colombia and promises to be a tough nut to crack. But with this Argentina, anything is possible. In the meantime, let’s celebrate, because qualification is a relief amid the suffering.
Watch the 2026 World Cup in the best quality
These are the most sought-after TVs to watch the national team. All with 12 interest-free installments:
- Smart TV Kanji 32″ LED HD – From $120,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-89J3)
- Smart TV LG 43″ 4K UHD WebOS – From $450,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-WXW9)
- Smart TV Samsung 50″ 4K UHD – From $600,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-VVE0)
Approximate prices. 12 interest-free installments subject to each seller. Look for the codes on Mercado Libre.
para mi estos negros de mierda se pasaron choreando pero la scaloneta es superior cuti messi y enzo los unicos q valen egipto se cree q juega bien el sabado les rompemos el orto a los suizos tambien vamos argentina carajo 🇦🇷
Para mí esto huele a opereta de la FIFA para tapar la corrupción de siempre. Mientras los zurdos de mierda festejan como si fuera de ellos, yo creo que la Scaloneta es un invento del sistema para distraernos de la crisis. Messi un vendido al capital, Cuti un falso ídolo. Vamos a perder contra Suiza como siempre, choreo total.