Messi Leads Argentina’s Stunning Comeback Into World Cup Quarterfinals
Cristian Romero sparked the revival with a towering header before Messi redeemed himself by smashing home the equalizer seven minutes from time.
Lionel Messi celebrating after victory over Egypt 3-2. Photo/Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Lionel Messi kept Argentina’s FIFA World Cup title defense alive with a dramatic late equalizer as the reigning champions rallied from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 on Tuesday, completing one of the tournament’s most remarkable comebacks to reach the quarterfinals.
Argentina appeared on the brink of a shock elimination after Egypt raced into a 2-0 lead through Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, while Messi endured another frustrating afternoon from the penalty spot after seeing his first-half spot kick saved.
But the South American giants produced a remarkable response in the closing stages, scoring three goals in the final 11 minutes and stoppage time to snatch victory before a stunned crowd at Atlanta Stadium.
Cristian Romero sparked the revival with a towering header before Messi redeemed himself by smashing home the equalizer seven minutes from time.
Enzo Fernandez then completed the comeback with a powerful stoppage-time header that sent Argentina into the last eight and reduced several players, including Messi, to tears after the final whistle.
The victory extends Messi’s World Cup journey and keeps alive Argentina’s bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the men’s World Cup title.
It also sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into a quarterfinal meeting with either Colombia or Switzerland on Saturday.
Egypt’s Dream Start
Argentina entered the Round of 16 under pressure after surviving another difficult test against Cape Verde in the previous round.
Scaloni responded by making several changes, bringing Nicolas Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes and Julian Alvarez into the starting lineup.
However, Egypt quickly exposed Argentina’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Marwan Attia delivered a deep cross into the penalty area, where defender Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to head the Pharaohs into an early lead.
Argentina had an immediate opportunity to respond after Tagliafico was fouled inside the penalty area.
Messi stepped forward looking to score from the spot, but Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir guessed correctly, diving low to his left to deny the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The miss added another unwanted record to Messi’s World Cup career.
The Argentina captain has now failed to convert four of his eight penalties taken during regular World Cup play and became the first player to miss two penalties in a single World Cup tournament after also failing from the spot during the group stage against Austria.
Shobeir Stands Tall
Shobeir continued to frustrate Argentina throughout the first half with a string of outstanding saves.
The Al Ahly goalkeeper denied Alexis Mac Allister’s close-range header before producing another impressive stop to keep out Julian Alvarez’s powerful effort.
His heroics preserved Egypt’s advantage as Argentina struggled to break down a disciplined defense.
Egypt thought they had doubled their lead shortly after halftime when Mohamed Salah launched a swift counterattack before Mostafa Ziko delicately chipped goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
However, celebrations were cut short after Video Assistant Referee officials ruled out the goal because of a foul committed earlier in the buildup.
The decision angered Egyptian players and coaching staff, who believed the goal should have stood.
Pharaohs Strike Again
Despite the setback, Egypt refused to lose momentum.
Salah once again orchestrated a dangerous counterattack before releasing Haissem Hassan, whose low cross found Ziko inside the penalty area.
The forward calmly finished to give Egypt a deserved 2-0 advantage.
At that stage Argentina appeared destined for elimination, with several players visibly frustrated during the second-half cooling break.
Messi himself looked dejected as Egypt edged closer to one of the biggest victories in the country’s football history.
Argentina’s Late Revival
Everything changed in the 79th minute.
Cristian Romero powered home a header that slipped through Shobeir’s grasp, giving Argentina renewed belief.
The defending champions immediately pushed forward in search of another goal.
Moments later, Messi danced through Egypt’s defense before setting up Lautaro Martinez, whose header drifted narrowly wide.
With seven minutes remaining, Messi finally found redemption.
After Gonzalo Montiel cut the ball back, the veteran captain struck a first-time half-volley that clipped Shobeir’s fingertips before crashing in off the crossbar.
The goal was Messi’s eighth of the tournament, moving him back to the top of the Golden Boot standings.
It also marked his 21st World Cup goal and extended his remarkable streak of scoring in nine consecutive World Cup matches.
Argentina completed the turnaround two minutes into stoppage time.
Lautaro Martinez delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, where Enzo Fernandez rose above Egypt’s defenders to power a header beyond Shobeir and seal a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The winning goal sparked jubilant celebrations among Argentina’s players while members of Egypt’s coaching staff protested the decision, leading to one official being shown a red card.
Emotional Finish
Messi embraced teammates as the final whistle confirmed Argentina’s place in the quarterfinals, with tears streaming down the captain’s face after one of the most dramatic victories of his international career.
Scaloni admitted afterward that emotions had overwhelmed him.
“I can’t look up, I’m sorry. I’m really emotional right now,” the Argentina coach said.
“What a group of players, man. That’s it, I’ve got to go.”
While Argentina celebrated another escape on the road to defending its World Cup crown, Egypt exited the tournament with pride after pushing the defending champions to the limit in a match that will be remembered as one of the standout contests of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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