ATLANTA: Defending champions Argentina staged one of the greatest comebacks in FIFA World Cup history, fighting back from a two-goal deficit to defeat a resilient Egypt 3-2 at the Atlanta Stadium and secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Three goals in the final 11 minutes plus stoppage time kept Argentina’s title defense alive in a legendary Round of 16 thriller.
- Scorers: Yasser Ibrahim (15′), Mostafa Ziko (67′) — Cristian Romero (79′), Lionel Messi (83′), Enzo Fernández (90+2′)
Egypt executed a perfect counter-attacking strategy early on, taking the lead in the 15th minute via a Yasser Ibrahim header. Argentina had an immediate chance to level from the penalty spot, but Lionel Messi’s low strike was brilliantly saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. The Pharaohs doubled their lead in the 67th minute through Mostafa Ziko, leaving the world champions on the brink of elimination.
The miracle turnaround began in the 79th minute when Cristian Romero powered home a header from a Messi cross. Just four minutes later, Messi redeemed his earlier penalty miss by smashing home a clinical left-footed equalizer, marking his 21st career World Cup goal and eighth of this edition. Deep into stoppage time (92′), Enzo Fernández met Lautaro Martínez’s cross to score a dramatic winning header. A tearful Lionel Messi celebrated at the final whistle as Argentina advanced to set up a quarterfinal clash against Switzerland.
