Pumas UNAM have responded to a difficult start to the Apertura 2026 in the best possible way — by coming from behind to defeat Toluca FC 2-1 at the Estadio Nemesio Diez.

The victory, sealed by goals from Víctor Arteaga and Sebastián Córdova, gave the university side their first three points of the campaign and delivered a much-needed boost after their opening-round defeat.

The match initially looked to be heading in Toluca’s direction. The home side started with greater confidence and eventually found the breakthrough in the 14th minute.

A dangerous delivery from Helinho created trouble inside the Pumas penalty area, and Jorge Díaz reacted quickly to finish from close range. Pumas goalkeeper Keylor Navas was unable to prevent the hosts from taking the lead, leaving the visitors facing an uphill battle.

Toluca continued to threaten before halftime, with Alexis Vega, Jesús Angulo and Helinho involved in several promising attacks. Pumas, meanwhile, struggled to find the final touch needed to turn their possession into a goal.

But the game changed after the break.

Pumas made a tactical adjustment, bringing Sebastián Córdova into the action, and the move quickly began to pay dividends. The visitors looked sharper and more aggressive as they pushed for an equaliser.

Their persistence finally paid off in the 57th minute.

Robert Morales created the opening for Víctor Arteaga, who calmly finished with his left foot to make it 1-1. The equaliser completely shifted the momentum of the contest and suddenly put Toluca under pressure.

Just six minutes later, Pumas completed the turnaround.

Rodrigo López delivered a precise cross into the area, and Sebastián Córdova rose to meet it with a powerful header. The ball found the net, sending Pumas into a 2-1 lead and turning a frustrating night into a memorable comeback.

Toluca refused to give up. The home side made several substitutions in search of an equaliser, introducing fresh attacking options as the final whistle approached. But Pumas held their shape, defended with discipline and relied on important interventions from Navas to protect their advantage.

In the end, Toluca could not find a way through.

For Pumas, the result is more than just three points. After suffering a heavy defeat against Pachuca in their opening match, the comeback at one of Mexico’s difficult venues provides an early sign of resilience. The team showed that it can respond when the pressure is on — and, importantly, it did so away from home.

The night belonged to Arteaga and Córdova, whose goals transformed the match in the space of six minutes. Toluca had started the evening in control, but Pumas finished it celebrating a comeback that could prove significant as the Apertura 2026 season gathers pace.

Final Score: Toluca 1-2 Pumas UNAM

Goals:

• Toluca: Jorge Díaz (14′)
• Pumas: Víctor Arteaga (57′), Sebastián Córdova (63′)

With their first win now secured, Pumas will hope this comeback becomes the turning point that launches their campaign in the right direction.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi returned to his hometown on Tuesday following one of the most emotional moments of his illustrious career. Just days after Argentina suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, the football icon arrived home for a brief period of rest and recovery.

The World Cup final ended Argentina’s hopes of retaining the biggest prize in international football. While Spain celebrated a historic triumph, Messi and his teammates were left to reflect on a campaign that came agonisingly close to another world title.

A Quiet Return After a Painful Defeat

Unlike the jubilant scenes that often accompany World Cup success, Messi’s return was a low-key affair. The Argentine superstar chose to head back to his hometown to spend a few days with family after an intense and emotionally demanding tournament.

The 39-year-old carried Argentina’s expectations throughout the competition, once again proving why he remains one of football’s greatest players. Despite the disappointment of the final, his performances earned praise from fans and football experts around the world.

ALSO READ : Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona: Is Argentina’s World Cup Hero Finally Above The Legend? Bhaichung Bhutia Gives His Verdict…

World Cup Journey Ends in Heartbreak

Argentina entered the final with hopes of adding another chapter to its rich football history. However, Spain produced a disciplined display and secured a narrow victory in extra time to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy.

Messi battled throughout the tournament, leading from the front with his creativity, experience and leadership. Although the result did not go Argentina’s way, his contribution remained one of the defining stories of the competition.

Focus Now Shifts to Club Football

After spending a few days in Argentina, Messi is expected to return to Inter Miami CF to resume club duties.

The short break will allow him to recover from the physical and mental demands of the World Cup before rejoining his teammates. Supporters will now be eagerly waiting to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner back in action as Inter Miami continues its campaign.

Legacy Remains Untouched

Although the World Cup final ended in disappointment, Messi’s legacy remains firmly intact. His leadership, consistency and influence on world football continue to inspire millions across generations.

For Argentina, the defeat will be painful to accept, but for Messi, another chapter now begins as he turns his attention back to club football while reflecting on yet another memorable World Cup journey.

After an emotionally draining FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, Lionel Messi has finally headed home. The Argentine captain arrived back in his homeland on Tuesday, taking a brief break after Argentina’s narrow 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.

The loss ended Argentina’s hopes of lifting another world title and marked the conclusion of an intense month-long tournament in which Messi once again led his nation with experience, leadership and moments of brilliance.

Messi Returns to Argentina for Recovery

Following the final, Messi chose to spend a few days in Argentina to recover both physically and mentally before resuming club football.

The veteran forward had been away from club duties for several weeks while representing his country on football’s biggest stage. After a demanding schedule filled with high-pressure matches, the short break is expected to help him recharge before returning to competitive action.

ALSO READ : Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona: Is Argentina’s World Cup Hero Finally Above The Legend? Bhaichung Bhutia Gives His Verdict…

When Will Lionel Messi Return to Competitive Football?

Messi is expected to rejoin Inter Miami CF after completing his brief vacation in Argentina. The club will assess his fitness and recovery before including him in the matchday squad.

If there are no injury concerns or fitness setbacks, the Argentine superstar could return to competitive football in Inter Miami’s upcoming fixtures shortly after rejoining the team.

His exact comeback date will depend on the club’s medical staff, training schedule and head coach’s selection plans, but there is optimism that Messi will be back on the pitch sooner rather than later.

A World Cup Campaign to Remember

Although Argentina fell one step short of defending their crown, Messi remained one of the tournament’s biggest attractions.

Throughout the World Cup, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner inspired Argentina with his vision, composure and attacking quality, guiding the team to another appearance in the final.

While the defeat against Spain was a painful ending, Messi’s performances once again highlighted why he continues to be regarded as one of football’s greatest-ever players.

Focus Shifts to Club Football

With international duty now behind him, Messi’s attention will turn back to Inter Miami as the club continues its campaign across domestic competitions.

Supporters around the world will be eagerly awaiting his return, hoping to see the Argentine icon quickly rediscover his best form after an exhausting World Cup schedule.

For Messi, the disappointment of the final may linger for some time, but the football calendar leaves little room for reflection. A new challenge now awaits as he prepares to wear the Inter Miami jersey once again.