Messi inspires Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt

Defending champions Argentina produced a remarkable late comeback to overturn a two-goal deficit and defeat Egypt 3-2, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lionel Scaloni’s side looked set for a shock exit in Atlanta after first-half goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko put Egypt in control, while Lionel Messi also endured the disappointment of seeing his first-half penalty saved.

However, Argentina responded with three goals in the final 11 minutes and stoppage time to snatch victory and keep Messi’s World Cup dream alive.

Cristian Romero started the comeback with a powerful header before Messi smashed home the equaliser to register his eighth goal of the tournament and reclaim the lead in the race for the Golden Boot.

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez then completed the dramatic turnaround two minutes into stoppage time with a superb header from Lautaro Martinez’s cross.

An emotional Messi was seen in tears after the final whistle as he celebrated the dramatic victory with his teammates.

Egypt had earlier stunned the world champions when Marwan Attia’s cross found Yasser Ibrahim, who powered a header beyond Emiliano Martinez to open the scoring.

Argentina had the opportunity to equalise shortly afterwards when Nicolas Tagliafico was fouled inside the penalty area, but Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced an excellent save to deny Messi from the spot.

The missed penalty made Messi the first player to miss two penalties in a single FIFA World Cup tournament, excluding shootouts, after also failing from the spot during the group-stage victory over Austria.

Shobeir continued his impressive display by making outstanding saves from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez to preserve Egypt’s lead before halftime.

Egypt thought they had doubled their advantage shortly after the restart when Ziko finished off a swift counter-attack, but the goal was ruled out following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review for a foul earlier in the build-up.

The disappointment proved short-lived as Ziko eventually found the net after another rapid Egyptian attack, putting the Pharaohs 2-0 ahead and seemingly on course for one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.

Argentina, however, refused to surrender.

Romero’s 79th-minute header reignited the contest before Messi levelled the score seven minutes later, firing home via the underside of the crossbar after reacting quickest inside the penalty area.

With extra time looming, Fernandez rose highest to head home Lautaro Martinez’s cross, completing one of the most memorable comebacks of the tournament.

Egypt’s players and coaching staff reacted angrily after the final whistle, believing several controversial decisions, including the disallowed goal, had influenced the outcome. One member of the Egyptian coaching staff was shown a red card following the winning goal.

Argentina will now face either Colombia or Switzerland in the quarter-finals as they continue their quest to retain the FIFA World Cup title.