After a subdued first half, Lionel Messi came alive at precisely the right time. The Argentine captain first set up Cristian Romero to pull one back for Argentina with a goal that made it 1-2 in the 79th minute, and soon after, he found the net himself to level the score.

With his equaliser making it 2-2 against Egypt, Messi extended his all-time FIFA World Cup goal record to 21 goals, further cementing his legendary status in the tournament’s history.

According to Opta statistics, Messi has now become the only player in World Cup history to score in six consecutive knockout-stage matches — a feat unmatched by any other footballer.

Argentina, however, did not stop there. Enzo Fernández added another goal to make it 3-2, turning the match into a true spectacle. The thrilling encounter could still end on a joyous note for Messi and his teammates as they chase yet another memorable victory on the world stage.