Champions Survive: Argentina Overcomes Heroic Green Mountain in 5-Goal Drama and Overtime

2026-07-04 03:42 © Reuters

The current world champions, Argentina, faced a very serious challenge in the first knockout stage of the 2026 championship.

In the championship's Round of 16, Lionel Scaloni's team overcame the tournament's underdogs, Green Shirt, 3:2.

In the 29th minute, Lionel Messi scored a fantastic goal, controlling a pass from Lisandro Martinez and outsmarting Vozinha.

After the break, Green Shirt did not give up, and in the 59th minute, they equalized with a goal from Deroy Duarte.

Argentina stepped up their game after taking a hit, but everything still moved to extra time.

In the third minute of extra time, L. Martinez pushed the world champions ahead.

Green Shirt still did not give up – in the 103rd minute, Sidney Lopes Cabralis restored equality with a fantastic shot.

However, in the 111th minute, Diney, in a bizarre situation during a corner kick, scored an own goal, and Argentina celebrated victory.

Argentina will face the Egypt national team in the Round of 16.