Messi inspires epic Argentina fightback as Mbappe breaks silence on racist attack | OneFootball

The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final line-up is now complete, with the round of 16 delivering no shortage of drama, heartbreak and unforgettable moments.

In addition to all three co-host nations, Brazil and Portugal also crashed out in the second knockout round, while heavyweights such as Argentina and England narrowly avoided the same fate.

Read on as we take you through the standout moments from another thrilling day in North America.

Unwanted history couldn’t prevent Messi from inspiring Argentina to a comeback for the ages

Argentina once again chose the hard way at this summer’s World Cup, yet they managed to pull off one of the greatest comebacks in knockout history to beat Egypt 3-2 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

La Albiceleste had already jangled fans’ nerves against Cape Verde in the round of 16, but they took the nation’s anxiety to a whole new level on Tuesday, with Lionel Messi playing a prominent role in the mess they created in Atlanta.

Egypt centre-back Yasser Ibrahim scored a superb header to open the scoring in the 15th minute before Messi failed to convert a penalty in the 21st minute, becoming the first player in World Cup history to squander four penalties.

When Ziko made it 2-0 in the 67th minute, it looked like the reigning champions were heading for an unceremonious exit. Despite staring into the abyss, Lionel Scaloni’s side summoned every ounce of character to drag themselves back into the contest.

Messi set up Cristian Romero for the South Americans’ first in the 79th minute before pulling them level with a thumping half-volley four minutes later, with Enzo Fernandez completing the turnaround in stoppage time.

La Pulga’s tears at the final whistle perhaps best captured the emotional rollercoaster, as relief replaced despair after one of the most incredible victories in modern World Cup history.

Argentina live to fight another day as they now prepare for a quarter-final tie against Switzerland, while Egypt are left to wonder how they came so close to a famous upset only to see it slip away in such a cruel fashion.

Martinez steps down after Portugal heartbreak

Spain ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s final quest for World Cup glory as Mikel Merino’s last-gasp winner condemned Portugal to a stomach-wrenching 1-0 defeat in the round of 16.

Roberto Martinez, who took over from Fernando Santos immediately after Portugal’s quarter-final exit in Qatar four years ago, has now confirmed that he will part ways with the Euro 2016 winners.

Martinez guided Portugal to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, only to be defeated by France, though he partially atoned by helping the Iberian side lift the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League trophy.

However, after another disappointment at a major tournament, the 52-year-old manager has recognised that the time has come to step aside, just as he did in the wake of Belgium’s group-stage elimination in Qatar.

“It is the end of the cycle, and it’s important to have a new voice now,” Martinez said, as reported by The Athletic. “I think it is entirely fair that the president, Mr Pedro Proenca, has the opportunity to choose his own manager. It is completely legitimate.

“I believe that without winning the World Cup, it doesn’t make sense to continue. The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose their own manager.

“The president has always supported my work, but my contract ends today, so there isn’t much more to say.”

It remains to be seen who will replace Martinez at the helm, but it’s a virtual certainty that Portugal’s next manager will begin a new era without Ronaldo, who played his last World Cup game on Monday.

Mbappe hits back at Paraguayan female politician

France captain Kylian Mbappe has hit out at Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla, who launched a racist attack on him after Les Bleus’ narrow victory over Los Guaranies in the round of 16.

Mbappe slotted home a decisive penalty midway through the second half to settle an ill-tempered affair at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field and propel Didier Deschamps’ side to the quarter-finals.

Gustavo Alfaro’s men used every trick in the book to frustrate France, employing every dark art available in an attempt to derail the favourites. However, it wasn’t enough as Mbappe broke their hearts.

Amarilla didn’t take Paraguay’s exit well, as she took to social media to unleash a racist tirade against Mbappe, describing him as a “colonised Cameroonian, desperately trying to pass himself off as French” and a “brute who had not learned to ​write.”

Her absurd statement prompted an immediate response from the 27-year-old, who did not hesitate to fire back.

“Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition,” Mbappe wrote.

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There’s a distinct possibility that Argentina and France could meet again in the final.

Never before have the same two nations faced each other in back-to-back World Cup finals, but that may change this summer.

However, the road to MetLife Stadium is treacherous.

France must not only overcome high-flying Morocco, but also get the better of either Spain or Belgium if they are to reach the final, while Argentina could face a tantalising semi-final showdown against England.

Thomas Tuchel has guided the Three Lions to the quarter-finals and will be eager to inspire them past this hurdle at the expense of free-scoring Erling Haaland, who’s looking to steer Norway to the semi-finals for the very first time.