Lionel Messi's Argentina Joins World Cup Folklore: Ranking the Greatest Comeback Wins Ever

The FIFA World Cup has always been the stage for football's most unforgettable drama. Championships are remembered, but comeback victories become legends.

Argentina's thrilling 3-2 Round of 16 victory over Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup now deserves a place alongside some of the tournament's greatest recoveries. Trailing during a tense knockout clash, Lionel Messi and his teammates refused to surrender, producing another memorable chapter in Argentina's rich World Cup history.

While only time will determine exactly where the comeback ranks, it has already entered football folklore.

Here are the greatest World Cup comeback victories ever.

1. West Germany 3-2 Hungary (1954 World Cup Final)

Often referred to as the "Miracle of Bern," this remains the greatest comeback in World Cup history.

Hungary raced into a 2-0 lead within eight minutes and looked certain to lift the trophy. Instead, West Germany stunned the heavily favored Magyars by scoring three unanswered goals to complete one of football's biggest upsets.

Why it ranks No. 1: It came in the World Cup final against arguably the greatest international team of its era.

2. Belgium 3-2 Japan (2018 Round of 16)

One of the finest knockout comebacks in modern football.

Belgium trailed 2-0 early in the second half before roaring back with three goals, including Nacer Chadli's dramatic winner in stoppage time after a lightning-fast counterattack.

It remains one of the greatest endings to a World Cup match.

3. Italy 4-3 West Germany (1970 Semifinal)

Known as the "Game of the Century," the semifinal featured breathtaking drama.

Italy surrendered a late lead before extra time exploded into five goals. The Italians eventually emerged victorious after one of the most chaotic and emotionally charged matches ever played.

4. Argentina 3-2 Egypt (2026 Round of 16)

Lionel Messi's Argentina looked destined for elimination after Egypt twice took the lead in a fearless attacking display.

However, Argentina's experience and attacking brilliance turned the contest around. Messi orchestrated the comeback as the defending champions scored late to complete a remarkable turnaround and book a quarterfinal showdown with Switzerland.

The victory showcased Argentina's resilience under pressure and reaffirmed why they remain among the favorites to retain the trophy.

5. Brazil 2-1 Czechoslovakia (1938 Quarterfinal Replay)

After drawing the initial encounter, Brazil found themselves behind in the replay but responded with two goals to advance.

The victory marked one of Brazil's earliest iconic World Cup comebacks and helped establish the nation's growing reputation on football's biggest stage.

6. Switzerland 3-2 Turkey (1954 Group Stage)

Switzerland overturned a deficit in front of home supporters in one of the tournament's most entertaining early contests.

The match highlighted the unpredictable nature of World Cup football during its formative years.

Why Argentina's Comeback Matters

Argentina's latest escape was about more than simply reaching the quarterfinals.

The defending champions displayed composure, belief and the ability to respond under immense pressure—qualities that define World Cup-winning teams.

For Lionel Messi, it also added another memorable chapter to a career already overflowing with iconic World Cup moments.

While his legacy has long been secure, leading another dramatic knockout comeback further cements his reputation as one of football's greatest competitors.

Ranking the Greatest World Cup Comebacks

RankMatchWhy It Stands Out1West Germany 3-2 Hungary (1954 Final)Greatest final comeback in history2Belgium 3-2 Japan (2018 Round of 16)Stunning second-half turnaround3Italy 4-3 West Germany (1970 Semifinal)Legendary "Game of the Century"4Argentina 3-2 Egypt (2026 Round of 16)Messi-inspired knockout comeback5Brazil 2-1 Czechoslovakia (1938)Historic early World Cup recovery6Switzerland 3-2 Turkey (1954)Memorable home comeback