Defending champions Argentina produced one of the greatest comebacks in FIFA World Cup history, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 in their round of 16 clash at Atlanta Stadium and book a place in the quarter-finals.
Lionel Scaloni’s side looked destined for elimination before three late goals in the final 11 minutes completed a dramatic turnaround, with Argentina now set to face the winner of the last-16 tie between Switzerland and Colombia.
Egypt stunned the world champions by taking the lead in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim headed home from a Marwan Attia delivery.
The Pharaohs appeared to be in complete control after Mostafa Zico doubled their advantage in the 67th minute following a swift counterattack, putting Argentina on the brink of an early World Cup exit.
Egypt had earlier seen another goal ruled out, adding further controversy to an already tense encounter.
Argentina’s revival began in the 79th minute when defender Cristian Romero headed home from Lionel Messi’s pinpoint assist to reduce the deficit.
Just four minutes later, Messi made amends for an earlier missed penalty by calmly finishing Gonzalo Montiel’s cross to level the scores at 2-2, sparking wild celebrations among the Argentine supporters inside the 68,239-capacity stadium.
With the match deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernández completed the remarkable comeback by powering a header into the net from Lautaro Martínez’s assist in the second minute of added time.
Messi has now contributed 16 goal involvements in his last nine World Cup appearances, scoring 13 times and providing three assists.
The victory also set a new World Cup record, marking the latest point in a match that a team has recovered from a two-goal deficit to win without requiring extra time.
Argentina’s dramatic escape keeps their title defence alive and reinforces their reputation for thriving under pressure, while Egypt exit the tournament heartbroken after coming within minutes of securing one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
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