Defending champions Argentina produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 and secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Captain Lionel Messi was visibly emotional after the final whistle as Argentina scored three goals in the final 11 minutes and stoppage time to keep their World Cup title defence alive.
Argentina Score Three Late Goals to Shock Egypt
With just 11 minutes of normal time remaining, Argentina trailed 2-0 and appeared to be heading for a stunning elimination.
However, the reigning world champions launched an extraordinary fightback.
Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute before Messi levelled the score in the 83rd minute with a powerful half-volley. Deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernández headed home the winner to complete a memorable 3-2 victory.
The comeback sparked emotional celebrations, with Messi shedding tears as he embraced his teammates after the match.
Messi Finds Redemption After Penalty Miss
The Argentine captain endured a frustrating first half after seeing his penalty saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
The miss marked Messi’s second failed penalty of the tournament and his fourth missed non-shootout penalty in FIFA World Cup history.
Despite the setback, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner responded when it mattered most, scoring the crucial equaliser to register his ninth consecutive World Cup match with a goal and move to eight goals in the tournament’s Golden Boot race.
Egypt Impress but Fall Short
Egypt looked set for a historic upset after goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko gave the African side a commanding lead.
The Pharaohs also had another goal ruled out following a VAR review, a decision that sparked frustration among the Egyptian players and coaching staff.
Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir delivered an outstanding performance, saving Messi’s penalty and making several crucial stops to deny Julián Álvarez and Alexis Mac Allister.
However, Argentina’s relentless late pressure eventually proved too much to withstand.
Argentina March Into Quarter-Finals
The victory sends Argentina into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Switzerland vs Colombia Round of 16 clash.
After surviving another dramatic knockout encounter, Lionel Scaloni’s side remains firmly in contention to retain the World Cup trophy.
With Messi once again delivering on football’s biggest stage, Argentina’s remarkable comeback will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
