08/07/2026 22:11 - Deportes
Reports indicate that on July 7, 2026, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the Argentine National Team wrote a golden page in the 2026 World Cup. Facing a tough Egyptian side, Lionel Scaloni's team reportedly reversed a 0-2 deficit to win 3-2 in a thrilling 13 minutes and 15 seconds.
| Team | Scorer | Minute |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Yasser Ibrahim | 1st Half |
| Egypt | Mostafa Ziko | 1st/2nd Half |
| Argentina | Cristian Romero | 79' |
| Argentina | Lionel Messi | 2nd Half |
| Argentina | Enzo Fernández | 92' |
It has been reported that although Lionel Messi had a penalty saved by goalkeeper Mohamed Shobeir, the captain redeemed himself during the comeback. Scaloni's tactical decisions proved crucial with three substitutions: Tagliafico, Paredes, and Julián Álvarez, who apparently injected the necessary energy for the historic turnaround.
On July 8, 2026, sources suggest that joy overflowed in Argentine streets. Rodolfo Aguiar, the secretary-general of ATE (Asociación Trabajadores del Estado, Argentina's powerful state workers' union), publicly requested President Javier Milei to declare a national holiday to celebrate. Aguiar recalled that a similar holiday was decreed after the 2022 World Cup final, presenting an interesting dynamic given Milei's usual strict economic policies.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) reportedly filed a formal protest with FIFA. According to international media, the coaching staff and players like Mostafa Ziko accused French referee François Letexier of bias, claiming the match was 'rigged'. FIFA has not yet issued a statement regarding this complaint.
Argentina would now be preparing for the clash against Switzerland. The hope for the 'fourth star' (representing a fourth World Cup title, having won in 1978, 1986, and 2022) is said to be more alive than ever, with the song 'La cuarta estrella' by Palmito Música echoing in the stands.
This marked the first official encounter between Argentina and Egypt since 1928, giving the match a historic tone. The resilience shown by Scaloni's team would consolidate Argentina as one of the top candidates to win the world title.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
