Argentina produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recovering from a two-goal deficit late in the match to defeat Egypt 3-2 and keep their title defence alive.
The reigning champions looked destined for a shock exit in their last-16 clash in Atlanta after Egypt built a deserved 2-0 advantage through Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico.
But a breathtaking late rally, inspired by Lionel Messi, turned the contest on its head as Argentina scored three times in the final 11 minutes, including stoppage time, to snatch victory.
Cristian Romero gave Argentina hope in the 79th minute by heading home from a Messi cross before the veteran captain redeemed himself five minutes later, firing in the equaliser after earlier missing a first-half penalty.
With extra time looming, Enzo Fernández completed the dramatic turnaround in stoppage time, meeting Lautaro Martínez’s cross with a powerful header to send Argentina into the quarter-finals, where they will face either Colombia or Switzerland.
Egypt were left devastated after coming within minutes of eliminating the three-time world champions.
The Pharaohs, who had never previously won a World Cup knockout match, produced an inspired performance and appeared on course for one of the greatest upsets in tournament history before Argentina’s late surge.
Messi endured a frustrating opening hour after seeing his penalty saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, but the 39-year-old once again proved decisive when it mattered most. The comeback continued his extraordinary run at the tournament and earned him the Player of the Match award.
The Argentina captain also added another chapter to his remarkable World Cup legacy.
His equaliser took his tournament tally to 21 goals, extending his lead over Kylian Mbappé in the all-time World Cup scoring charts, although the France forward has an opportunity to close the gap when France face Morocco.
Messi also became the first player in World Cup history to score in six consecutive knockout-stage matches and has now contributed 16 goal involvements across his last nine World Cup appearances, with 13 goals and three assists.
Argentina’s latest escape follows another nervy knockout victory after they needed extra time to overcome Cape Verde in the previous round.
This time, however, Lionel Scaloni’s side completed the turnaround before the final whistle, producing the latest comeback from two goals down in World Cup history without requiring extra time.
The world champions will now turn their attention to the quarter-finals as they continue their bid to retain the World Cup.
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