Argentina kept their FIFA World Cup title defence on track after staging a remarkable comeback to overcome Egypt 3-2 in an enthralling Round of 16 encounter played in Atlanta on Tuesday.
The African side made the perfect start when Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to head home the opening goal in the 15th minute.
Egypt strengthened their grip on the contest after the break as Mostafa Zico capped off a swift attacking move to extend the lead to 2-0 in the 62nd minute, leaving Argentina in danger of a shock elimination.
With time running out, Argentina found renewed belief through their captain. Lionel Messi played a crucial role in the move that allowed Cristian Romero to reduce the deficit in the 79th minute before producing a goal of his own just four minutes later.
Lautaro Martínez’s lofted pass found Messi inside the area, and although goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir got a touch, the effort struck the crossbar and crossed the line to level the score.
Argentina completed their stunning recovery in the third minute of added time. Lautaro Martínez floated another dangerous cross into the penalty area, where Enzo Fernández met it first time and brilliantly guided the ball into the far corner to spark wild celebrations.
Match Highlights
Egypt delivered an outstanding performance for much of the match and came close to causing one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved Messi’s penalty after Nicolás Tagliafico won a spot-kick and later denied Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez with a series of fine saves.
Egypt also saw an earlier effort ruled out before Zico eventually doubled their advantage. However, Argentina refused to surrender.
Romero’s strike reignited hope, Messi dragged his side back into the contest, and Fernández’s dramatic stoppage-time winner completed a memorable comeback that secured the holders a place in the quarterfinals.
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