The 48-year-old was overwhelmed after his crew prevailed courtesy of Enzo Fernandez’s 93rd-minute header towards probably the most profitable crew in Africa.
“I can’t lookup,” stated Scaloni, whose crew beat Cape Verde after further time within the final 32. “I’m sorry. I’m so emotional… what a bunch of gamers, brother.”
The previous Albiceleste worldwide then instructed the cameras to “go away it” after saying: “That’s it – I’ve to go.”
Air Messi 💨😆
The Argentina captain was on the centre of celebrations 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/Kif2fb1UBD
— ITV Soccer (@itvfootball) July 7, 2026
Argentina vs Egypt: Messi ‘deserves it’
Messi may have equalised through the first half however had a penalty saved by Mostafa Shoubir, guaranteeing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has missed 4 of the eight spot kicks he has taken at World Cup tournaments.
The 39-year-old arrange Cristian Romero to attain earlier than netting his eighth aim of this version from contained in the field.
“After I noticed Leo crying on the sector, I instructed him that I cried as a result of he deserves it,” stated Lautaro Martinez, whose cross allowed Chelsea’s Fernandez to settle the last-16 tie.
“It was very troublesome; what we’ve performed tonight, I hadn’t seen in a very long time. The opponents subdued us and competed with us so much bodily.
“It’s a bunch stuffed with humility and sacrifice. It’s a match that’s going to be one for the reminiscence books.”
Lionel Messi: Argentina captain ‘an excellent legend’
Yasser Ibrahim’s Fifteenth-minute header gave the underdogs a lead they doubled when Mostafa Ziko struck within the 67th minute.
“Leo retains proving what an excellent legend he’s and we’re completely happy to have the ability to be a part of him,” stated Alvarez. “I’m not one to get emotional, however right now I actually felt it.
“[There is] pleasure and a lot pleasure. Residing these final minutes on the bench was super. I need to thank the folks from the underside of my coronary heart for the help and encouragement.”
Enzo Fernandez: Argentina ‘phenomenal’ vs Egypt
Blues captain Fernandez had a tempestuously forgettable season at Stamford Bridge however praised a “phenomenal group” of Argentina gamers who “by no means hand over”.
“I’ve been dreaming of that aim for 3 years,” added the midfielder. “We needed to make the most of these areas that got to us, and we did.
“I need to thank my teammates, the teaching workers, those that got here to cheer us on and all of the Argentinians who’re in our nation supporting us.
“We got here to get pleasure from one other World Cup and to signify our nation. That’s what we’re doing.”
Messi World Cup fixtures: Confirmed schedule, kick off occasions
Listed below are Argentina’s fixtures, outcomes and potential schedule, in addition to how you can watch within the UK.
Asterisk denotes a fixture begins on the day past within the acknowledged territory.
| Date | Match | Outcome | Stage | Time (BST) | ET | PT | Channel |
| June 17 | Algeria | 3-0 | Group | 02:00 | 21:00* | 18:00* | ITV |
| June 22 | Austria | 2-0 | Group | 18:00 | 13:00 | 10:00 | BBC |
| June 28 | Jordan | 3-1 | Group | 03:00 | 22:00* | 19:00* | BBC |
| July 3 | Cape Verde | 3-2 (AET) | Spherical of 32 | 23:00 | 18:00 | 15:00 | ITV |
| July 7 | Egypt | 3-2 | Spherical of 16 | 17:00 | 12:00 | 09:00 | TBC |
| July 12 | TBC | Quarter-finals | 02:00 | 21:00* | 18:00* | TBC | |
| July 15 | TBC | Semi-finals | 20:00 | 15:00 | 12:00 | TBC | |
| July 18 | TBC | Third-placed match | 22:00 | 17:00 | 14:00 | TBC | |
| July 19 | TBC | Ultimate | 20:00 | 15:00 | 12:00 | BBC, ITV |
