In what is already being called one of the greatest comebacks in FIFA World Cup history, Argentina overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a breathtaking round-of-16 clash in Atlanta. Lionel Messi, who missed a first-half penalty, redeemed himself with a crucial equalizer before Enzo Fernandez snatched victory deep into stoppage time.
First Half: Egypt Shock the World
Egypt entered the match as heavy underdogs, having never won a World Cup knockout game before this tournament. But they played without fear from the first whistle. Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 15th minute, powering home a header from Marwan Attia’s cross to send the Egyptian fans into raptures.
Five minutes later, Argentina had a golden chance to equalize when Nicolas Tagliafico was tripped inside the box. But Messi — who had already missed a penalty against Austria in the group stage — saw his spot-kick superbly saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. Messi becomes the first player in World Cup history to miss two penalties in a single edition (excluding shootouts).
Shobeir was outstanding throughout the first half, denying Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez with exceptional saves to keep Egypt’s lead intact going into the break.
Second Half: Drama Unfolds
Egypt doubled their lead midway through the second half when Mostafa Zico finished off a flowing counter-attack involving Mohamed Salah. At 2-0 down with 25 minutes remaining, Argentina’s World Cup defense appeared to be over.
But Cristian Romero sparked the comeback in the 79th minute, heading home from a corner to make it 2-1. The stadium erupted as Argentina sensed blood. Five minutes later, a loose ball fell to Messi on the edge of the box, and the 39-year-old smashed it into the roof of the net via the crossbar. 2-2. Game on.
Stoppage-Time Heartbreak for Egypt
Deep into injury time, with extra time looming, Argentina launched a devastating counter-attack. Lautaro Martinez raced down the right and delivered a pinpoint cross for Enzo Fernandez, who planted a perfect header past the helpless Shobeir. 3-2. The 3,000th goal in World Cup history completed one of the great tournament recoveries.
To compound Egypt’s heartbreak, they felt they should have had a penalty moments earlier when Julian Alvarez appeared to trip Mohamed Salah in the box — but referee Francois Letexier waved play on, and Argentina scored at the other end.
“I felt like I let everyone down with the penalty miss,” Messi said after the match, visibly emotional. “But this team never gives up. We fight until the end.”
Messi’s Record-Breaking Run Continues
Despite the missed penalty, Messi continues to rewrite the record books. His equalizer was his 21st World Cup goal, and he is now the first player in history to score in six consecutive knockout-stage matches. With eight goals in five games, he has the most goals at this stage of a single World Cup since Gerd Müller’s 10 for West Germany in 1970.
What’s Next?
Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Sunday, July 12. Switzerland reached the last eight after knocking out Colombia on penalties. Egypt exit the tournament with their heads held high — the Pharaohs captured hearts with their fearless performances and proved they belong on football’s biggest stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored for Argentina against Egypt?
Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and Enzo Fernandez scored for Argentina in their 3-2 comeback victory.
When is Argentina’s quarter-final match?
Argentina will play Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
Is this Messi’s last World Cup?
At 39 years old, this is widely expected to be Messi’s final World Cup appearance, making Argentina’s run all the more poignant.
Upcoming World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 9 | France vs Morocco | Boston Stadium |
| Jul 10 | Quarter-Final 2 | TBD |
| Jul 11 | Quarter-Final 3 | TBD |
| Jul 12 | Argentina vs Switzerland | TBD |
Stay tuned to PC Master Deals for more World Cup 2026 coverage!