FIFA WC: Epic comeback sees Argentina beat Egypt 3-2, reach quarters
Atlanta, July 7
Lionel Messi assisted and scored a goal while Enzo Fernández struck the winner in stoppage time as defending champions Argentina produced a comeback for the ages for a sensational 3-2 win over Egypt and sealed a place in the quarterfinals in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Argentina fought back from 0-2 down in the round of 16 match after Yasser Ibrahim (15th min) and Mostafa Zico (62nd min) had scored for Egypt and created the possibility of the defending champions ending their campaign early, joining the five-time winner Brazil and Germany on the scrap heap.
But Messi weaved his magic, first launching the attack and providing the assist to Cristian Romero's goal in the 79th minute and then getting onto the scoresheet himself in the 83rd minute as Lautaro hooked a deep ball into the area, which dropped favourably for the Argentine captain, who laced it towards goal. Goalkeeper Shobeir gets a hand on it, but it hits the bar and goes in to make it 2-2.
Enzo Fernandez then sealed victory for Argentina by scoring an incredible goal in the third minute of stoppage time, making it 3-2 for Argentina. Lautaro swung a deep cross to the back post, and Enzo Fernandez met it and sent the ball back from where it came and into the far corner.
Earlier, Argentina conceded a goal in the first half of a World Cup match for the first time since their 2018 Round of 16 tie against France. They had not conceded in the first half in their last 11 matches before this match.
Yasser Ibrahim headed Egypt into a shock lead, before Mostafa Shoubir protected it magnificently. The goalkeeper dived south-west to save a Messi penalty, which Nicolas Tagliafico had craftily earned, and made superb stops from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez.
Egypt thought they had made it two just before the hour. Haissem Hassan made an imperial dash down the right and fed Salah, who enabled Zico to ripple the net. The goal was, however, ruled out for a foul in the build-up. It merely delayed the Al Ahly man doubling the lead, though, as he finished off a rapid counter-attack involving Salah and Hassan.
It left Egypt on the cusp of victory, but Argentina were not done yet. They missed many chances but did not lose patience as they attacked repeatedly and created opportunities, and scripted a great comeback.
Christian Romero pulled one back, Messi's brilliant finish equalised, and Fernandez completed an epic survival story.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great comeback from Argentina, but let's give credit to Egypt too. They played brilliantly for 78 minutes and that penalty save was world-class. Football is cruel sometimes.
As an Indian who grew up watching Messi, this feels nostalgic. Reminds me of the 2022 final. Argentina never gives up! But honestly, I wish India could get a chance to play in such big tournaments. The passion is there, but infrastructure is lacking. 😔
Enzo Fernandez is a beast! That winning goal was absolutely stunning. Argentina might just go all the way again. Though I feel bad for Salah, he deserved better from this match.
Respect to Egypt for pushing the world champions to the limit. Shows African football is improving fast. India should take notes - we have the population, but our football development needs major overhaul. The AIFF needs to learn from Egypt's structured approach.
Only Messi could pull off something like this. 0-2 down with 10 minutes left and he just decides to win the game. The assist, the goal, the leadership - pure GOAT stuff! 🐐
While this was an amazing match, I feel the
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