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.
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.
Also Read: Belgium End USA’s World Cup Dream With Clinical Win; Sets Up Quarter-Final Clash Against Spain
Delhi-NCR is likely to remain partly cloudy on Wednesday, with rain, thunderstorms and lightning forecast…
India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second T20I in New Delhi, with Sanju…
An Assam court in Bilasipara has sentenced Utpal Roy to death for the rape and…
India’s bowlers kept Afghanistan under control after an early collapse, with Nitish Kumar Reddy taking…
An IndiGo flight bound for Delhi from Agartala diverted to Lucknow after the pilot detected…
JITO Business Summit 2026 in London brought together Jain business leaders and professionals and highlighted…