ATLANTA — Argentina have done it again. The defending champions produced another World Cup classic, rallying from two goals down with just 11 minutes remaining to snatch a dramatic 3–2 victory over Egypt and book their place in the quarterfinals.
Trailing 2–0 and staring at an early exit, Argentina found a way back through Cristian Romero's header in the 79th minute. Lionel Messi then leveled the score four minutes later with his eighth goal of the tournament and record-extending 21st World Cup strike. Enzo Fernández completed the comeback in stoppage time, sending the Argentine fans into delirium.
"We have a phenomenal group that never gives up, no matter the difficulties," Fernández said. "We're always together."
Argentina will now face Switzerland on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri.
For much of the match, it seemed Messi's sixth—and possibly final—World Cup would end in heartbreak. Egypt took a surprise lead in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim headed home Marwan Attia's cross. Mostafa Ziko doubled the advantage in the 67th minute, and Egypt even had a third goal ruled out by VAR.
Argentina looked beaten. But as they have so many times before, they refused to surrender.
"The heart of Argentinians always pushes us to keep going, no matter what," striker Julián Álvarez said. "With the score 2–0, we looked a bit beaten, but we always manage to find something more by fighting until the end."
Messi had earlier seen a first-half penalty saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir—his second spot-kick miss of the tournament—and also hit the post. But when it mattered most, the 39-year-old delivered.
Argentina are no strangers to World Cup heroics. From the 1986 final win over West Germany to the shootout triumph against France in 2022, this team thrives on drama. Tuesday's comeback may top them all.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan was left furious, believing his side had been treated unfairly and should have been awarded a penalty before Argentina's winner. He vowed not to watch another game at this World Cup.
"We were better in everything, but the result," Hassan said. "We have suffered injustice."
