Defending champions Argentina staged a breathtaking comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 and secure a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday.
Trailing by two goals with just over ten minutes remaining, Argentina produced three late goals to avoid a massive tournament upset. Enzo Fernandez headed a dramatic stoppage-time winner from a Lautaro Martinez cross to seal the victory.
Egypt dominated early, taking the lead in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim powered a header past the Argentine defense. Argentina struggled to find their rhythm, with captain Lionel Messi missing a crucial first-half penalty saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir and later hitting the post.
Egypt doubled their advantage in the 67th minute through Mostafa Zico, leaving the champions on the brink of elimination. However, the momentum shifted decisively in the final stages.
Cristian Romero sparked the revival with a free header in the 79th minute. Just four minutes later, Messi redeemed his earlier misses, hammering a blistering strike from inside the area to level the match. As Egypt reeled from the sudden onslaught, Fernandez’s 93rd-minute header shattered their hopes, leaving star forward Mohamed Salah and his teammates devastated.
Messi, visibly emotional after the final whistle, celebrated with tears of joy as Argentina kept their title defense alive. The South American giants will now face either Switzerland or Colombia in Saturday's quarterfinal in Kansas.
