ARGENTINA produced one of the greatest comebacks in FIFA World Cup history as Lionel Messi inspired the reigning champions from two goals down to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt, sealing their place in the quarter-finals after an unforgettable contest in Atlanta.
Trailing by two goals and facing elimination, Lionel Scaloni's side mounted a stirring fightback led by their talismanic captain, who overcame the disappointment of another missed penalty to score the crucial equaliser before Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround with a stoppage-time winner.
The victory preserved Argentina's hopes of retaining the World Cup and set up a quarter-final showdown against Switzerland, who earlier eliminated Colombia in a penalty shootout.
Egypt stunned the holders with a fearless display and deservedly took the lead in the opening half when Yasser Ibrahim rose superbly to send a powerful header beyond Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina were handed an opportunity to restore parity after Haissem Hassan brought down Nico Tagliafico inside the penalty area. However, Messi endured further spot-kick frustration by missing his second penalty of the tournament, leaving the defending champions still trailing.
The Pharaohs came within moments of doubling their advantage through a flowing move orchestrated by Mohamed Salah before Zico found the net, only for the effort to be ruled out following a VAR review that detected a foul during the build-up.
Egypt were not to be denied for long. Launching another devastating counter-attack, Salah drove forward before supplying Zico, who finished clinically to extend the lead to 2-0 and leave Argentina on the brink of a sensational exit.
The momentum shifted dramatically after the interval.
Cristian Romero ignited Argentina's comeback with a thunderous header, reducing the deficit and breathing fresh belief into the defending champions.
With time running out, Messi delivered when his side needed him most, firing home the equaliser to erase the disappointment of his earlier penalty miss and complete a remarkable personal redemption.
As the match entered stoppage time, Argentina completed the turnaround in spectacular fashion when Enzo Fernandez rose highest to head home the winning goal, sparking emotional celebrations among the players and supporters.
Messi was overcome with emotion at the final whistle as Argentina secured one of the most memorable victories of the tournament, transforming apparent elimination into a famous triumph that keeps alive their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles. - July 8, 2026
