Defending FIFA World Cup champions Argentina produced a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 clash on Tuesday, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
Egypt looked set to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament after taking a commanding two-goal lead, but the brilliance of captain Lionel Messi inspired La Albiceleste to an unforgettable turnaround.
The Pharaohs made a dream start, opening the scoring in the 15th minute when defender Yasser Ibrahim powered home a header from a well-worked corner routine.
Argentina were handed an immediate opportunity to level the match after winning a penalty following a clumsy challenge by Haissem Hassan.
However, goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced another outstanding save to deny Messi from the spot, marking the Argentine legend’s second penalty miss of the tournament.
Despite the setback, Argentina dominated possession and created several clear-cut chances.
Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez and Messi himself were all denied by an inspired Shobeir, whose heroics kept Egypt ahead at the interval.
The South Americans continued to press after the restart, but Egypt remained dangerous on the counter-attack. Mostafa Ziko thought he had doubled the lead before VAR ruled the goal out for a foul in the build-up.
The warning went unheeded, and Egypt eventually found their second goal. Mohamed Salah orchestrated another swift attack, releasing Haissem Hassan, whose perfectly weighted pass allowed Mostafa Ziko to finish confidently and put the underdogs 2-0 ahead.
With time running out, Argentina launched an extraordinary fightback.
Centre-back Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute, heading home from a superb Lionel Messi delivery to reignite his side’s hopes.
Moments later, Messi took matters into his own hands, rifling a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area beyond Shobeir to level the scores.
The goal also marked his ninth consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance with a goal.
As the match entered stoppage time, both teams pushed desperately for a winner.
Egypt appealed for a penalty that was waved away before Argentina struck decisively at the other end.
Lautaro Martínez broke into space and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Enzo Fernández, who headed home a dramatic winner to complete one of the most memorable comebacks of the tournament.
Messi was deservedly named Flashscore Man of the Match after scoring once, providing an assist and inspiring Argentina’s comeback with another world-class performance.
The victory keeps Argentina’s hopes of retaining the FIFA World Cup alive, with Lionel Scaloni’s side now set to face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals.
For Egypt, it was a heartbreaking exit after surrendering a two-goal advantage despite producing one of their finest performances of the competition.
