Defending champions Argentina produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, booking their place in the quarter-finals after trailing by two goals with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Egypt took control through goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, leaving Argentina on the brink of elimination. However, Cristian Romero sparked the comeback before Lionel Messi scored a crucial equaliser in the 83rd minute. Midfielder Enzo Fernández then completed the dramatic turnaround with a stoppage-time winner, sealing one of the tournament’s most memorable victories.
Messi, who had earlier missed a penalty, redeemed himself with a captain’s performance, inspiring his teammates when they needed him most. The victory keeps Argentina’s hopes of defending their FIFA World Cup title alive after an unforgettable knockout encounter.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team’s resilience, saying the players never stopped believing despite the difficult situation. He described the comeback as a reflection of the team’s character and fighting spirit, while also crediting Egypt for delivering a strong performance.
The dramatic victory sparked celebrations among thousands of Argentine fans inside the stadium and across the country. Players celebrated together after the final whistle, while Egypt exited the tournament with pride after pushing the defending champions to the limit.
Argentina will now face Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, with a place in the semi-finals at stake. The reigning champions will be aiming to build on their thrilling comeback as they continue their quest for back-to-back World Cup titles.