Argentina claw back from 2–0 to sink Egypt and face Switzerland

From the grave: Argentina 3–2 Egypt

Two-nil down. Season over. Then your team did what your team does. Argentina came back to beat Egypt 3–2 in the World Cup round of 16 on Wednesday, and Messi said it straight: "We were ten meters underground and we got out" (1) (2). Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez both scored, Enzo Fernández ran the second half, and Romero held the line when it mattered. Egypt led 2–0 and still lost. That is the champions' DNA Scaloni keeps talking about.

Messi: "This group never gives up"

Lionel Messi did not sugarcoat it. "It's not easy to come back from 2–0. This group never gives up, never lowers its head, and tries until the end. It's crazy what this group did today" (1) (2). The squad called him a legend afterwards (2). At 39, he is still dragging Argentina through the fire.

Switzerland await, Amdouni ready to retire

Switzerland beat Colombia and will face Argentina in the quarter-finals on Saturday 11 July (4). Swiss striker Zeki Amdouni had one reaction: "I'm going to play against Messi, I can retire from football now" (4). He is joking. Probably.

Egypt demand referee and VAR sent home

The Egyptian FA filed a formal demand for referee Letexier and the VAR officials to be removed from the tournament, citing "serious mistakes" in the Argentina defeat (6). They are not taking the loss quietly.

FIFA investigates racism allegations from Cabo Verde match

FIFA opened an investigation into alleged racist abuse directed at streamer IShowSpeed during Argentina's group-stage match against Cabo Verde (3). The findings could land during the quarter-final run.

FBI reportedly probing AFA operations in the US

The FBI is reportedly investigating Argentine Football Association operations on US soil (5). No details yet, but a federal probe shadowing a World Cup campaign is serious business.

Fan reactions

The mood is split between euphoria and suspicion. Argentina fans are celebrating the escape, but Egyptian supporters and neutrals on Reddit are furious about the officiating. The Egyptian FA statement demanding the referee be sent home has fueled an avalanche of conspiracy theories claiming FIFA are fixing the tournament for Argentina. One clip of Mohamed Salah pulling his teammates away from the officials after the final whistle has gone viral, with many praising his composure while his federation went to war. Read the full thread here.