Argentina 3-2 Egypt: Messi scores, assists in dramatic comeback to reach World Cup quarter-finals
Argentina recovered from a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the World Cup round of 16, with captain Lionel Messi scoring and providing an assist before breaking down in tears at the final whistle.
A nightmare start
Argentina conceded early when Yasser Ibrahim scored in the 15th minute. Messi had a chance to equalise from the penalty spot in the 21st minute after a foul, but Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved his effort. It was the second penalty Messi had missed in the tournament, after also failing against Austria in the group stage. The miss left Argentina trailing 1-0 at halftime.
Egypt double the lead
In the 67th minute, Mostafa Zico found the net to make it 2-0, pushing Argentina to the brink of elimination. The World Cup holders looked beaten, with Messi's dream of a second title seemingly over. But the team refused to give up.
The four-minute comeback
Argentina's resurgence began in the 79th minute when Cristian Romero headed in to reduce the deficit. Then Messi took over. He first set up Romero's goal, then equalised himself in the 83rd minute with his eighth strike of the World Cup, pulling Argentina level. The momentum had swung completely. In stoppage time, Enzo Fernández fired home a dramatic winner in the 92nd minute to complete an extraordinary 3-2 victory.
- Yasser Ibrahim scores for Egypt (1-0)
- Messi penalty saved by Mostafa Shobeir
- Mostafa Zico doubles Egypt's lead (2-0)
- Cristian Romero pulls one back for Argentina (1-2)
- Messi equalises with his 8th goal of the tournament (2-2)
- Enzo Fernández scores the winner (3-2)
Messi's tears of joy and relief
As the final whistle blew, Messi sank to his knees and wept. Cameras captured the captain overcome with emotion as his teammates rushed to embrace him. Later, he was lifted in the air by his jubilant squad. Messi told reporters after the match:
He admitted the missed penalty had weighed heavily.It was a bit of happiness, relief, because we wanted to stay. It couldn't end like today, we don't want to leave.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes summed up the feeling:I was very angry about the penalty. If I had scored it, the dynamic would have been different.
We want him to feel that we are with him until the end. We play so that his last game never comes.
Quarter-finals await
With the win, Argentina advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face either Colombia or Switzerland. Coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team's character.
Messi now has 21 goals across six World Cups, more than any other player in tournament history. His 2026 campaign continues.I'm coaching for moments like this.
