Argentina survived one of their biggest scares of the World Cup after overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 and book their place in the quarterfinals.
The defending champions looked destined for a shock exit in Atlanta after Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko fired Egypt into a commanding lead, but Argentina produced a remarkable late fightback, scoring three times in the final stages to keep Lionel Messi’s World Cup journey alive.
Egypt appeared on the verge of one of the greatest victories in their football history after frustrating Argentina for much of the contest. Their hopes grew even stronger when Messi missed from the penalty spot after Leandro Tagliafico was brought down inside the box.
Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir was at the heart of their resistance, denying Argentina repeatedly with a series of outstanding saves, including efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez.
The Pharaohs then thought they had found a second goal through Ziko after a rapid counterattack involving Mohamed Salah, but their celebrations were cut short after a controversial VAR review ruled out the effort for an earlier foul in the buildup.
However, Egypt recovered immediately and doubled their advantage when Salah again drove forward before setting up Ziko, who calmly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina looked beaten, with Messi and his teammates struggling to find answers as the clock ticked down. But Cristian Romero’s powerful header in the closing stages changed the mood inside the stadium and sparked an extraordinary turnaround.
The equaliser arrived seven minutes from time when Messi finally found redemption, smashing a half-volley into the net after Gonzalo Montiel’s cutback. The goal marked his ninth consecutive World Cup appearance with a goal and moved him back to the top of the tournament’s Golden Boot race with eight goals.
Argentina completed the comeback deep into stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez rose highest to head home Lautaro Martinez’s cross, sending the holders into celebration and leaving Egypt devastated.
At the final whistle, an emotional Messi was seen in tears as he embraced his teammates after surviving a night that pushed Argentina to the edge.
The victory was also filled with controversy, as Egypt expressed frustration over several refereeing decisions, including the disallowed goal and the red card shown to a member of their coaching staff after the winning goal.
Argentina will now face Switzerland in the quarterfinals, but their latest escape serves as another reminder that the holders remain dangerous even when pushed to the brink.
