July 07, (THEWILL) — Lionel Messi inspired a remarkable late comeback as defending champions Argentina recovered from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, sealing their place in the quarter-finals.
The holders looked on the brink of a shock elimination before producing three goals in the final 15 minutes to complete one of the tournament’s most memorable turnarounds at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Egypt, playing in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history, stunned the South American giants by taking the lead in the 15th minute. Defender Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to head home and give the Pharaohs a dream start.
Argentina responded immediately but failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity to equalise when Messi saw his 21st-minute penalty saved. Julián Álvarez also came close before halftime, narrowly missing the target after his powerful effort took a slight deflection.
Egypt continued to frustrate the defending champions after the restart and moved within touching distance of a famous victory in the 67th minute. Mostafa Zico finished off a swift counterattack after excellent work by Mohamed Salah to double the Pharaohs’ advantage and leave Argentina’s title defence hanging by a thread.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the closing stages.
Cristian Romero gave Argentina renewed hope in the 79th minute, heading home from Messi’s delivery after the ball slipped through the grasp of goalkeeper Moustafa Shoubir.
Just four minutes later, Messi produced another moment of brilliance. Meeting Gonzalo Montiel’s driven cross first time, the Argentina captain hammered a volley off the underside of the crossbar and into the net to level the scores at 2-2. The strike also took his tally to eight goals at the tournament, moving him back to the top of the Golden Boot standings.
With Egypt struggling to recover from the rapid turnaround, Argentina completed the comeback deep into stoppage time. Enzo Fernández rose to head home the decisive goal, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Argentine players and supporters.
The victory keeps Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup alive and sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into the quarter-finals, where they will face the winners of the Round of 16 clash between Switzerland and Colombia.
Although their campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion, Egypt depart the tournament with their heads held high after achieving the nation’s best-ever World Cup performance by reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
