With extra time looming, Argentina found the winner in the third minute of stoppage time….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Lionel Messi produced another memorable World Cup performance as defending champions Argentina came from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 clash and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.
Messi scored one goal and set up another before Enzo Fernandez struck a stoppage-time winner to complete a remarkable comeback that kept Argentina’s title defence alive.
Argentina looked to be heading for a shock exit after Yasser Ibrahim gave Egypt the lead in the 15th minute before Mostafa Zico doubled the advantage in the 62nd minute.
The defending champions struggled to break down a disciplined Egyptian defence for much of the contest, while goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir delivered an outstanding performance to frustrate the South Americans.
Shobeir denied Messi from the penalty spot after Nicolas Tagliafico won a spot-kick and also produced fine saves to keep out efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez.
Egypt thought they had doubled their lead before the hour mark when Mostafa Zico found the net following a move involving Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan, but the effort was ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
The setback proved only temporary as Zico eventually scored minutes later, finishing off a swift counter-attack involving Salah and Hassan to put Egypt 2-0 ahead and on the brink of a famous victory.
Argentina, however, mounted a spirited fightback.
Cristian Romero reduced the deficit in the 79th minute after Messi initiated the move and provided the assist.
Four minutes later, Messi brought Argentina level. Lautaro Martinez’s delivery dropped kindly for the captain, whose powerful strike clipped the hands of Shobeir, struck the crossbar and crossed the goal line to make it 2-2.
With extra time looming, Argentina found the winner in the third minute of stoppage time.
Lautaro Martinez delivered a deep cross to the far post, where Enzo Fernandez met the ball first time and guided a superb finish into the far corner to complete a stunning turnaround.
Earlier in the match, Argentina had conceded a first-half goal in a World Cup fixture for the first time since their Round of 16 defeat to France in 2018, ending a run of 11 matches without allowing a first-half goal.
Despite falling two goals behind, Argentina continued to press relentlessly, creating chances until Romero’s goal sparked the comeback before Messi and Fernandez completed one of the most dramatic victories of the tournament.
The victory sends Argentina into the quarter-finals, where the defending champions will continue their quest to retain the FIFA World Cup title.
