FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi, Romero, Fernandez anchor Argentina's stunning 3-2 comeback win over Egypt, team reaches quarter-finals
Atlanta, July 7
Defending champions Argentina staged a remarkable comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash on July 7, with Cristian Romero sparking the fightback, Lionel Messi scoring the equaliser, and Enzo Fernandez netting a stoppage-time winner to seal La Albiceleste's place in the quarter-finals.
Egypt stunned Argentina in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim headed home from Marwan Attia's corner. Argentina had an immediate chance to respond after Nicolas Tagliafico won a penalty, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir denied Lionel Messi from the spot.
Shobeir continued his impressive display by saving efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez, while Messi also struck the crossbar with a free-kick as Egypt held a 1-0 lead at half-time.
Egypt thought they had doubled their advantage early in the second half through Mostafa Ziko, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review. The Pharaohs were not to be denied for long, however, as Ziko finished off a swift counterattack in the 67th minute after good work from Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan to make it 2-0.
Argentina responded with renewed urgency after introducing attacking reinforcements. Cristian Romero reduced the deficit in the 79th minute, heading in Messi's inviting free-kick.
Just four minutes later, Messi levelled the contest with a powerful strike from the edge of the box that found the net after clipping the goalkeeper's gloves and the underside of the crossbar.
With extra time looming, Argentina completed their remarkable turnaround in stoppage time. A loose ball fell kindly to Enzo Fernandez on the edge of the penalty area, and the midfielder calmly slotted a low finish into the bottom corner to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The win sends Argentina into the quarter-finals, where they will face the winners of the Round of 16 clash between Switzerland and Colombia on July 8 (IST).
— ANI
Reader Comments
Egypt really made Argentina work for it! That goalkeeper Shobeir was outstanding, saving a penalty and making those great stops. I've seen this kind of spirit in Indian football fans too - we know what it's like to dream big. Sad for Egypt but they can hold their heads high. Goal of the tournament? That Messi free-kick hitting the bar was so close!
Argentina's depth is incredible. Romero coming off the bench to score the first goal, Messi doing his thing, and then Enzo with the winner - this is what champions are made of. But honestly, Egypt deserved more, they played such disciplined football. As a football fan from Mumbai, I was on the edge of my seat the whole match!
Classic Argentina - never write them off! But I have to say, VAR robbed Egypt of a moment of glory with that disallowed goal. The system needs more transparency. Still, credit to both teams for an unforgettable match. Messi at 38 (or is he 39 now?) still running the show - what a legend!
That second-half performance from Argentina was something else! From 2-0 down to 3-2 up, it shows never to lose hope. I was watching with my family in Bangalore and we were all screaming when Enzo scored. Egypt's fans should be proud - they took the champions to the limit. 🇮🇳⚽
One-sided criticism? Egypt's game plan was brilliant for 70 minutes. The way they absorbed pressure and hit on the counter was textbook. But Argentina's quality just told in the end. Mess
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