Argentina found themselves down two goals with 11 minutes to go, but a historic response led by Lionel Messi was enough to defeat Egypt and advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite Egypt heading into the match as heavy underdogs, the African giants applied pressure from the start. Egypt played a short corner, which was eventually swung in by Marwan Ateya. Defender Yasser Ibrahim timed his jump perfectly and rose above Lisandro Martinez to power his header past Emiliano Martinez.
The dream start for Egypt continued just six minutes later as Lionel Messi missed a golden opportunity to go level. Nicolas Tagliafico was fouled in the box by Haissem Hassan, gifting Argentina the perfect opportunity to get back into the game. The leading goalscorer in World Cup history stepped up to the plate, but it was a weak effort that was greatly saved by Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir. This marked Messi’s 4th missed penalty in World Cup history, and his 2nd this tournament.
Egypt thought they had their second of the night in the 58th minute, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on Lisandro Martinez in the buildup. Egypt did not let that decision sway them as they went on to score their second just nine minutes later. Mostafa Ziko scored again, but VAR could not deny this one. Argentina failed to make use of their corner, and Salah led a quick counter. The Liverpool legend found Hassan in the box, whose cut-back was slotted in by Ziko to double the lead for Egypt.
Then the magic happened.
With nothing going in Argentina’s favor, Lionel Messi produced a moment of much-needed quality to bring the defending champions back into the game. His lofted cross was headed in by Romero, despite Shobeir getting a hand to it. The momentum completely shifted in Argentina’s favor, and it was Messi who found the equalizer. Egypt failed to clear their lines, leaving Gonzalo Montiel to tee up Messi for a clear shot at goal. The Argentina captain made no mistake and exquisitely finished past the Egyptian keeper.
The game just felt as if there was no doubt that Argentina would find the winner before regulation. Julian Alvarez sent Lautaro Martinez down the right wing with a long ball. The Inter forward found Enzo Fernandez with a cross, who finished with a header to complete the historic comeback.
Three goals in 13 minutes finished the job for Argentina, and they will now play the winner of Colombia vs. Switzerland in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 11.
