Lionel Messi once again delivered on the biggest stage, scoring once and setting up another before Enzo Fernandez struck deep into stoppage time to complete a remarkable Argentina comeback as the defending champions beat Egypt 3-2 to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals on Tuesday.
Trailing 0-2 with less than half an hour to play, Argentina appeared headed for a shock Round of 16 exit after Yasser Ibrahim’s early opener and Mostafa Zico’s second-half strike put Egypt within touching distance of one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
Instead, Lionel Scaloni’s side produced a breathtaking late rally.
Cristian Romero sparked the revival in the 79th minute after Messi initiated the move and provided the decisive pass. Four minutes later, the Argentina captain drew his side level, reacting quickest to Lautaro Martinez’s hooked ball before his effort, despite a touch from goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, cannoned in off the crossbar.
With extra time looming, Argentina found one final moment of brilliance. In the third minute of stoppage time, Lautaro delivered another inviting cross and Fernandez guided a superb first-time finish into the far corner to complete an extraordinary turnaround and send the holders into the last eight.
Egypt had looked firmly in control for much of the contest.
Yasser Ibrahim gave the African side a dream start by heading home in the 15th minute, while goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a string of outstanding saves to frustrate Argentina. The shot-stopper denied Messi from the penalty spot after Nicolas Tagliafico won a spot-kick and later kept out efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez.
Egypt thought they had doubled their lead just before the hour through Zico, only for the effort to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up. The disappointment proved short-lived, however, as Zico found the net minutes later, finishing off a swift counter-attack involving Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan to make it 2-0.
The goal left Argentina staring at elimination, having also conceded a first-half goal in a World Cup match for the first time since their Round of 16 defeat to France in 2018.
But the defending champions refused to surrender. Romero’s header reignited belief, Messi’s trademark composure restored parity, and Fernandez’s stoppage-time winner sealed one of the most dramatic comeback victories of the tournament, keeping Argentina’s title defence alive.