Argentina produced a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 and book a place in the World Cup quarter-finals after an entertaining Round of 16 clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The defending champions found themselves trailing for the first time in the tournament after Egypt established a two-goal advantage, but Lionel Messi inspired a stunning late turnaround.
Egypt opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim powered in a header from a corner kick. Argentina had an opportunity to equalise five minutes later after being awarded a penalty, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir denied Messi from the spot, marking the second penalty miss of the tournament for the Argentine captain.
Egypt strengthened their lead in the 67th minute through Mostafa Ziko, putting the African side in control of the contest.
Argentina began their comeback in the 79th minute when Messi delivered a cross that Cristian Romero headed into the net to reduce the deficit.
Just four minutes later, Messi made amends for his earlier penalty miss by firing a powerful volley that bounced in off the crossbar to restore parity.
With the match deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez completed the dramatic turnaround with the winning goal, securing a thrilling victory and sending Argentina into the last eight.
Messi’s goal also kept him at the top of the tournament’s Golden Boot standings with eight goals, extending his scoring streak to every match played in the competition.
