Messi Inspires Argentina Comeback as Defending Champions Beat Egypt 3-2

Messi Inspires Argentina Comeback as Defending Champions Beat Egypt 3-2

Enzo Fernández Scores Stoppage-Time Winner to Send Argentina Into World Cup Quarter-finals

Argentina staged a remarkable late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after a dramatic Round of 16 encounter in Atlanta.

Lionel Messi overcame an early penalty miss to score, provide an assist, and play a decisive role in Argentina's fightback as the reigning world champions recovered from a two-goal deficit to keep their title defence alive.

Egypt stunned Argentina in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to meet a Marwan Ateya cross from a set-piece and headed home to give the Pharaohs a surprise lead.

Argentina had an immediate chance to respond six minutes later after being awarded a penalty. However, Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a brilliant save to deny Messi from the spot, preserving Egypt's advantage.

The African side continued to defend resolutely and shocked the favourites again in the 67th minute. A swift counterattack involving Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan ended with Mostafa Ziko finishing clinically to make it 2-0 and put Egypt on the verge of a historic upset.

With time running out, Argentina finally found a breakthrough in the 79th minute. Messi delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, and Cristian Romero powered a header into the net to reduce the deficit. The assist saw Messi surpass the legendary Diego Maradona for the most assists in FIFA World Cup history.

Four minutes later, Messi took matters into his own hands. Receiving a pass inside the box, the Argentine captain fired a first-time finish past Shobeir to level the score at 2-2 and ignite celebrations among the Argentine supporters.

The dramatic turnaround was completed in stoppage time. Lautaro Martínez delivered a dangerous cross into the area, and Enzo Fernández rose highest to head home the winner in the 90+2nd minute, sealing an unforgettable comeback.

Despite the defeat, Egypt impressed throughout the tournament and pushed the defending champions to their limits in one of the most thrilling matches of the knockout stage.

Match Result

Argentina 3-2 Egypt

Goals

Yasser Ibrahim (Egypt) – 15'

Mostafa Ziko (Egypt) – 67'

Cristian Romero (Argentina) – 79'

Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 83'

Enzo Fernández (Argentina) – 90+2'

Key Moment

Enzo Fernández's stoppage-time header completed Argentina's comeback after they had trailed 2-0 with just over 20 minutes remaining.

Argentina advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Colombia vs Switzerland Round of 16 clash, while Egypt exit the tournament after a courageous and memorable campaign.