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Defending champion Argentina, pushed to the brink of elimination, scored three goals in the final 11 minutes for a miraculous comeback to reach the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Argentina, led by manager Lionel Scaloni, beat Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held in Atlanta, United States, on Nov. 7 (local time).
Argentina conceded the opening goal to Egypt's Yasser Ibrahim in the 14th minute. Then, in the 67th minute, they allowed an additional goal to Mostafa Zico, falling behind 0-2.
Messi took a penalty kick he had earned himself in the 21st minute, but it was saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobier. His free kick in the 31st minute struck the post and did not lead to a goal.
In the 58th minute, Egypt appeared to seal the match with another goal. However, a video assistant referee (VAR) review found a foul on Lisandro Martínez, and the goal was disallowed.
The momentum then completely reversed. In the 79th minute, Cristian Romero headed home Messi's precise cross, reviving the chase. Four minutes later, Messi connected with a right-footed shot on a loose ball amid a scramble in front of goal, leveling the score.
The dramatic winner came in stoppage time. Three minutes into second-half stoppage time, Enzo Fernández headed in a cross from Lautaro Martínez to complete the 3-2 comeback victory. It was an explosive finish, with three goals poured in over just 11 minutes from the 79th minute through stoppage time.
Immediately after the match, Messi shed hot tears on the field. Manager Scaloni, choking up, praised his players, saying, "What can I say. It's an incredible team and incredible players."
Egypt, by contrast, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the officiating. According to the British outlet Sky Sports, Egypt manager Hossam Hassan said, "The referee was unfair. He made an entire nation's effort go to waste," adding, "This World Cup is flowing toward Argentina's side."
Argentina will play its final quarterfinal match against Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium in the United States at 10 a.m. on the 12th.
