Kha Y Tran Argentina pulled off a stunning comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.
The defending champions trailed 2-0 late in the game. However, they refused to give up. Cristian Romero started the comeback. Then Lionel Messi equalized. Finally, Enzo Fernández scored the winner in stoppage time.
As a result, Argentina reached the quarterfinals.
Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LHb5yN-OzI
Egypt shock the world champions
Argentina started well. However, Egypt stayed compact. From the beginning, they defended with discipline. At the same time, they looked dangerous on the counterattack. Their plan worked.
Salah is playing energetically on the right wing for the Egyptian players (Photo: Reuters)
In the 15th minute, Marwan Attia delivered a corner. Then, Yasser Ibrahim rose highest. He powered a header past Emiliano Martinez. As a result, Egypt took a 1-0 lead.
After that, Argentina increased the pressure. However, Egypt remained organized.
Yasser Ibrahim scored the opening goal for Egypt against Argentina with a header (Photo: Reuters)
Photo: Reuters
Messi misses a huge chance
Argentina attacked right away. Soon after, the referee awarded a penalty. Messi stepped forward. However, Mostafa Shobeir made an excellent save.
The miss did not stop Argentina. Messi later hit the post from a free kick. Mac Allister also came close. Julián Álvarez tested the goalkeeper again.
Still, Egypt held firm. The first half ended with Egypt leading 1-0.
Photo: Reuters
Egypt double the advantage
Argentina kept attacking after the break. However, Egypt stayed calm. In the 58th minute, Mostafa Ziko found the net. However, VAR ruled the goal out. Egypt did not lose focus.
Mostafa Zico’s goal in the 58th minute was disallowed by VAR… (Photo: Reuters)
Instead, they attacked again. Nine minutes later, Haissem Hassan crossed into the box. Ziko finished from close range. Egypt now led 2-0.
Argentina were in serious trouble. Lionel Scaloni reacted immediately. He made attacking changes. His team pushed forward with more players.
Mostafa Zico doubled Egypt’s lead against Argentina (Photo: Reuters)
Romero starts the comeback
Argentina never stopped attacking. Finally, they found a breakthrough.
In the 79th minute, Messi crossed from the right. Cristian Romero rose highest. His header flew into the corner. The score became 2-1. The goal lifted Argentina’s confidence.
At the same time, Egypt began to defend deeper.
Romero narrowed the gap for Argentina (Photo: Reuters)
Messi delivers again
Argentina kept pressing. Then Messi stepped up. The captain received the ball inside the box. He created space with one touch. Next, he fired into the bottom corner.
The score was level. It was 2-2. The stadium exploded with noise.
It was Messi’s eighth goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026. It also extended his scoring run. Earlier, he missed a penalty. However, he never lost confidence.
That is what great players do.
Messi brings the game back to a tie (Photo: Reuters)
Enzo seals the win
Argentina attacked until the final seconds. Their reward came in stoppage time. Lautaro Martínez floated a cross into the box. Enzo Fernández timed his run perfectly. He powered a header into the far corner. Shobeir could only watch.
Argentina completed the comeback. Moments later, the referee ended the match.
The defending champions had won 3-2.
Messi inspires another victory
Messi once again led by example. He missed a penalty. He also hit the post.
However, he never disappeared. Instead, he assisted Romero’s goal. Later, he scored the equalizer. His performance changed the match. His leadership also inspired his teammates.
Egypt leave with pride
Egypt deserved praise. They defended well for most of the match. They also created dangerous chances. Shobeir produced several fine saves. Yasser Ibrahim scored the opener. Ziko added another goal.
For more than 75 minutes, Egypt looked ready to make history. However, Argentina’s quality made the difference.
Argentina remain title favorites
Argentina are now through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals. The team showed great character. They stayed calm under pressure. Most importantly, they never stopped believing.
Messi once again proved his value. Romero and Enzo also delivered when it mattered most. This dramatic comeback sent a clear message.
Argentina remain one of the strongest teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Their thrilling win over Egypt will be remembered as one of the tournament’s best matches.
Read more:
Egypt Secure World Cup Last-16 Spot After Iran Draw
World Cup 2026: Messi Sets Record in Argentina Win
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