The final day of round of 16 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was nearly the day Lionel Messi stepped away from the tournament forever. That didn’t end up being the case, and he was a big part of the reason.
Here is the best from Day 27 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
BEST OF THE DAY
From now on, every match of the FIFA World Cup could be Lionel Messi’s last at the tournament, and that reality is starting to set in for the 39-year-old superstar, who was visibly overcome with emotion when Argentina completed its 3-2 comeback over Argentina on Tuesday in the round of 16. He doesn’t want this journey to end, and he and his teammates are doing everything in their power to make sure that it doesn’t.
Winger
Argentina
Even after 21 goals, it doesn’t get old watching Lionel Messi score at the World Cup. This one was extra special, with Argentina chasing an equalizer to keep its repeat hopes alive another day. Next up: Switzerland.
Midfielder
Egypt
Some assists are impressive because of their distance traveled, or where they end on the pitch; Haissem Hassan’s assist is impressive because he, through a serires of dribble moves, made a goal scoring opportunity out of nothing.
Goalkeeper
Egypt
Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir would have loved to leave Atlanta Stadium with a win, and a first-ever quarterfinals appearance for his country. It didn’t happen. As a consolation prize, he leaves the tournament with the story of how he saved a penalty from the greatest player to ever play the sport, and at a crucial time in the match.
