Defending champion Argentina scored three goals late in the second half to complete a dramatic comeback against Egypt, securing a ticket to the quarterfinals.
Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held at Atlanta Stadium in the United States on Sunday (Korea time).
Trailing 0-2 until the 79th minute, Argentina scored three consecutive goals in 11 minutes to defeat Egypt.
Having advanced to the quarterfinals, Argentina will face the winner of the Colombia-Switzerland match on Wednesday at Kansas City Stadium in the United States, competing for a spot in the semifinals.
The match began with Egypt in control. In the 15th minute, Yasser Ibrahim scored the opening goal to seize the initiative. Argentina missed a chance to equalize in the 19th minute when Lionel Messi's penalty kick was saved by the goalkeeper. It was already Messi's second missed penalty of this tournament.
After conceding the first blow, Argentina allowed an additional goal to Mostafa Zico in the 67th minute.
With defeat looming, it was again Messi who revived Argentina. In the 79th minute, Messi drifted to the right flank and delivered a cross that defender Cristian Romero, joining the attack, converted with a header.
Messi leveled the score with a right-footed shot in the 83rd minute. He netted his goal in a record-setting ninth consecutive World Cup match, recording his 21st goal, the most in tournament history. He also scored his 8th goal of this tournament, taking sole possession of the scoring lead.
In stoppage time, the two teams engaged in a fierce back-and-forth. It was Argentina that broke the balance. In the 93rd minute, Enzo Fernandez headed home a cross from Lautaro Martinez to seal the victory.
After the final whistle, Messi wept as if he had won the championship and was tossed into the air by his teammates.
