Messi & Argentina Overturn Two-goal Deficit To Defeat Egypt In FIFA World Cup Knockout Clash
Defending champions Argentina produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16 on Tuesday. Cristian Romero sparked the revival before Lionel Messi restored parity and Enzo Fernandez struck a stoppage-time winner to book Argentina's place in the quarter-finals.
Egypt dominate early, Messi denied from the spot
Egypt made a dream start in Atlanta as Yasser Ibrahim headed home from Marwan Attia's corner in the 15th minute to put the African side ahead.
Argentina had an immediate opportunity to level after Nicolas Tagliafico won a penalty, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a brilliant save to deny Messi from the spot.
Shobeir continued his outstanding performance by keeping out efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez, while Messi also rattled the crossbar with a free-kick as Egypt carried a deserved 1-0 advantage into the break.
Early in the second half, Egypt thought they had doubled their lead through Mostafa Ziko, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review. The setback proved only temporary as Ziko eventually found the net in the 67th minute, finishing a swift counterattack initiated by Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan to make it 2-0.
Romero and Messi ignite Argentina revival
Facing elimination, Argentina threw more attackers into the contest and finally found a breakthrough in the 79th minute. Romero rose highest to head home Messi's inviting free-kick, reducing the deficit and shifting the momentum.
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Just four minutes later, Messi brought Argentina level with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area. His effort brushed the goalkeeper's gloves before crashing in off the underside of the crossbar, capping a remarkable turnaround in the space of four minutes.
Fernandez completes stunning comeback
With extra time appearing inevitable, Argentina found one final moment of brilliance deep into stoppage time.
A loose ball fell kindly to Enzo Fernandez on the edge of the penalty area, and the midfielder kept his composure to guide a low finish into the bottom corner, completing a memorable 3-2 comeback victory for the reigning champions.
The result sends Argentina into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, where they will face the winners of the Round of 16 clash between Switzerland and Colombia.
(With inputs from ANI)