Defending champions Argentina produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Tuesday, securing a place in the quarter-finals after overturning a two-goal deficit.
Egypt took the lead in the 15th minute when Ibrahim headed home from Atia’s corner delivery. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Argentina failed to equalize before halftime. Lionel Messi missed a penalty in the 21st minute after Egypt goalkeeper Shobair made an excellent save, while further efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez were also denied.
Egypt doubled their advantage in the 67th minute through Zico, leaving Argentina on the brink of elimination.
The defending champions launched a stunning late revival. Cristian Romero reduced the deficit in the 79th minute with a powerful header from Messi’s cross. Four minutes later, Messi leveled the score with a first-time strike after capitalizing on a defensive error. Although Shobair got a hand to the ball, it rebounded off the crossbar and crossed the line.
Argentina completed the dramatic turnaround in second-half stoppage time when Enzo Fernández scored the winner, sealing a memorable 3-2 victory and sending Lionel Scaloni’s side into the quarter-finals.
The result keeps Argentina’s hopes of defending their World Cup title alive after one of the tournament’s most dramatic comeback victories.
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