Defending champions Argentina came from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 on Tuesday, with Lionel Messi playing a central role in a late turnaround.
Egypt led 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining after goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, and goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir had earlier saved a Messi penalty as Argentina struggled to break down the North African side.
Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 15th minute, heading in Marwan Attia’s cross. Argentina had an opportunity to respond four minutes later when Nicolas Tagliafico was fouled in the box, but Shobeir saved Messi’s spot kick.
Shobeir also denied Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez, while Messi struck the post from a free kick before halftime.
Egypt thought they had doubled their lead in the 62nd minute through Ziko, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review found a foul in the buildup. Five minutes later, however, Ziko scored from a counterattack after Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan combined to create the opening.
Argentina began their comeback in the 79th minute when Cristian Romero headed in a Messi cross. Messi equalised four minutes later after Lautaro Martinez and Gonzalo Montiel helped keep the ball alive inside the area.
The winner came two minutes into stoppage time. Lautaro Martinez crossed from the right and Enzo Fernandez directed a back-post header past Shobeir to complete Argentina’s recovery.
“I’d been longing for this goal for three years. We have a phenomenal group, one that never gives up,” Fernandez said.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said his side felt it should have received a late penalty and questioned the decision to disallow Ziko’s earlier goal.
“What happened to us wasn’t fair. We should have had a penalty, a goal was disallowed, and I don’t know why it was disallowed,” Hassan said.
Argentina will face the winner of Colombia versus Switzerland in the quarterfinals.
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