Belgium thrashes the United States and advances to the quarterfinals

End of cycle in the Tricolor

Javier Aguirre closed his third stage at the head of the Mexican National Team with a positive balance, despite the elimination in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Mexico lost 3-2 to England, but the team regained the enthusiasm of the fans under his command.

After confirming his departure, the “Vasco” spoke frankly about his future. In an interview with N+, he revealed that he rejected an offer to direct in Saudi Arabia and that retirement could be near.

“I rejected a very juicy offer from Saudi Arabia. I’m not sure, I know I want to go with Silva (his wife) and my granddaughters there, and then we’ll see. I’m calm, I’m not in a hurry. I think it’s enough, I’ve been a coach for 30 years now.”

Aguirre began his career as a coach in 1996 with Atlante and has accumulated three World Cups. Now, Rafael Márquez will assume the national bench as his successor.

The strategist made it clear that his priority is the family: “Whatever Silvia says, she is the one who decides.” His legacy in the Tricolor is marked by having transformed uncertainty into hope, although without reaching the quarterfinals.

Lionel Messi continues to expand his legend. This Tuesday, with his goal against Egypt, the Argentine captain reached eight goals in the 2026 World Cup and surpassed the seven he had registered in Qatar 2022. It is his best production in a single edition and raises his historical tally to 21 goals.

Direct elimination record

In addition, Messi became the only player to score in six consecutive knockout phase matches in World Cups. Since he made his debut at the age of 18 on June 16, 2006 in Germany, he has played in his sixth World Cup and has already surpassed Frenchman Kylian Mbappé by two goals, who has 19 in the all-time ranking.

2026 World Cup Scorers

• 8 goals: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
• 7 goals: Erling Haaland (Norway) and Kylian Mbappé (France)
• 6 goals: Harry Kane (England)
• 4 goals: Jude Bellingham (England), Ousmane Dembelé (France), Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), Vinicius Junior (Brazil) and Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)

Historically, Messi leads with 21, followed by Mbappé (19), Miroslav Klose (16) and Ronaldo Nazário (15). The Argentine continues to write golden pages in world football.

Comeback in Atlanta

The Argentina National Team got its ticket to the quarterfinals of the World Cup after beating Egypt 3-2 in a round of 16 match played in Atlanta, United States. The victory was defined with a spectacular somersault in the final minutes.

Egypt surprised from the beginning. A few minutes later, Yasser Ibrahim gained position in the aerial game over Lisandro Martínez and connected with a header to the far post to open the scoring. Argentina had the opportunity to equalize with a penalty, but Lionel Messi failed due to a great intervention by Mostafa Shobeir.

The Albiceleste kept the pressure on. Shots by Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez were stopped by Shobeir, who emerged as a partial figure. In the second half, Egypt extended its advantage: Mohamed Salah and Hassan created a counterattack that Mostafa Ziko finished for 0-2.

When the outlook seemed adverse for the world champions, the reaction came. In the 79th minute, Cristian Romero connected with a cross from Messi and scored. Four minutes later, Messi redeemed himself from his missed penalty and scored the equalizer that unleashed euphoria.

The outcome came in stoppage time. At 90+3′, Enzo Fernández appeared in the area to seal the final victory. Argentina thus places itself among the eight best teams in the tournament.