World Cup: Messi inspires remarkable Argentina comeback over Egypt

Lionel Messi scored and inspired a remarkable late turnaround as reigning champions Argentina came from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.

Argentina looked to be heading for a stunning elimination before producing three goals in the final 15 minutes to defeat Egypt 3-2 in one of the most dramatic matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The reigning world champions dominated possession throughout the contest but found themselves behind after just 15 minutes. Defender Yasser Ibrahim rose highest from a corner to power home a header and stun Lionel Scaloni's side.

Lionel Messi had the perfect chance to respond shortly afterwards when Argentina were awarded a penalty, only for Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir to brilliantly deny the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. The Inter Miami forward also struck the post with a superb free-kick before half-time as the Pharaohs carried their lead into the interval.

Egypt thought they had doubled their advantage just before the hour through Mostafa Zico, but the celebrations were cut short after a VAR review ruled out the goal for a foul earlier in the move.

The reprieve proved only temporary. Seven minutes later, Mohamed Salah led another devastating counter-attack before Ahmed Hassan teed up Zico, who made no mistake to put Egypt 2-0 ahead and leave the holders on the brink of elimination.

Messi sparks another great escape

Argentina finally found a route back into the contest with 11 minutes remaining. Messi's pinpoint cross was met by Cristian Romero, whose header crept beyond Shobeir to ignite hopes of another comeback.

Just four minutes later, the captain produced another decisive moment. Picking up a loose ball on the edge of the area, Messi unleashed a thunderous half-volley that flew past Shobeir to level the score at 2-2. The goal was his tournament-leading eighth of the competition.

With extra time looming, Argentina completed an extraordinary turnaround deep into stoppage time. Julián Álvarez launched a rapid counter-attack before Lautaro Martínez delivered a cross towards the far post, where Enzo Fernández arrived to head home the winner and send the holders into the quarter-finals.

Messi's latest match-winning display ensures Argentina remain on course to defend the title they won in Qatar four years ago. Scaloni's side will now face either Switzerland or Colombia for a place in the semi-finals, while Egypt bow out after pushing the world champions to the very limit.

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