New Delhi: Argentina kept their FIFA World Cup title defence alive in dramatic fashion on Tuesday, recovering from a two-goal deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 in a thrilling Round of 16 encounter. With elimination looming for much of the second half, Lionel Scaloni’s side produced an incredible late turnaround, scoring three times in the closing stages to book their place in the quarter-finals.

The night started disastrously for the defending champions when Egypt took a stunning early lead through Yasser Ibrahim’s powerful header in the 15th minute.

Argentina were then handed a golden chance to level the scores after Nicolas Tagliafico was brought down inside the penalty area. However, Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir guessed correctly to save Lionel Messi‘s spot-kick, handing the Argentine captain his second penalty miss of the tournament.

Argentina pull it back late to secure their spot in the last eight! 👏#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 7, 2026

Argentina struggled to create clear-cut chances for much of the match, and Egypt made them pay. Mostafa Zico doubled the African side’s lead in the second half, leaving the defending champions staring at a shock exit.

Messi came close to reducing the deficit when he struck the post with a left-footed effort, but it looked as though it would not be Argentina’s night.

Just when Argentina needed inspiration, Messi delivered. In the 79th minute, he set up Cristian Romero, who headed home to make it 2-1 and give Argentina renewed belief.

Only four minutes later, Messi produced the moment Argentina had been waiting for. The 39-year-old found the net to level the match at 2-2, extending his record as the highest goalscorer in World Cup history with his 21st tournament goal.

Not just that according to Opta, Messi also became the first player ever to score in six consecutive World Cup knockout matches.

The equaliser transformed the atmosphere inside the stadium with Egypt suddenly forced onto the back foot after looking in complete control for most of the contest.

With the match heading towards extra time, Argentina found one final twist as deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez scored the winner to complete an astonishing comeback and seal a 3-2 victory.

The turnaround also made history as they become the latest team that has come back from two goals down to win a World Cup match in normal time without needing extra time.

At the final whistle, Messi was overcome with emotion. After seeing his penalty saved earlier in the game, the Argentina captain finished with a goal and an assist in a remarkable four-minute spell that changed the match. The tears of joy followed as Argentina celebrated reaching the quarter-finals and keeping their title defence alive.