Argentina made a stunning comeback to keep their FIFA World Cup title defence alive when they beat Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 clash on Tuesday.
Trailing 2-0 with just 11 minutes left, Argentina looked set for a shock exit. But goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and a stoppage-time winner from Enzo Fernandez completed an incredible turnaround and sent the defending champions into the quarter-finals.
The final whistle brought emotional scenes as Messi broke down in tears after helping his side escape elimination.
Egypt had looked on course for one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history after Yasser Ibrahim gave them the lead in the first half before Mostafa Zico doubled the advantage after the break. Messi had also missed an early penalty, adding to Argentina’s frustration.
However, the North African side lost control in the closing minutes as Messi led Argentina’s fightback. The 39-year-old, who now has 21 World Cup goals, played a key role in all three goals.
Messi delivered the cross that Romero headed in during the 79th minute to spark the comeback. Four minutes later, the Argentine captain scored the equaliser after Lautaro Martinez and Gonzalo Montiel kept the move alive inside the box.
The winning goal came deep into stoppage time when Lautaro Martinez crossed from the right and Fernandez guided a header past goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir to complete a remarkable comeback.
Egypt were left furious after believing they should have been awarded a penalty shortly before Argentina’s winning goal, but their appeals were rejected.
The Egyptians started brightly and surprised Argentina with their attacking approach instead of sitting back and relying on counter-attacks.
Their first goal came in the 15th minute when Marwan Attia floated a cross into the box and Ibrahim rose highest to head home.
Argentina had a golden chance to equalise just four minutes later after Haissem Hassan fouled Nicolas Tagliafico inside the penalty area.
But Shoubir came to Egypt’s rescue, diving to his left to save Messi’s weak penalty. It was the second penalty Messi had missed at this World Cup after also failing to convert against Austria in the group stage.
The Egyptian goalkeeper continued his outstanding performance by making brilliant saves to deny Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez, while Messi also struck the post with a free-kick before half-time.
Egypt thought they had scored a second goal in the 62nd minute through Zico, but VAR ruled it out after Marwan Attia was found to have fouled Lisandro Martinez during the build-up.
Five minutes later, though, Egypt did double their lead. Mohamed Salah launched a quick counter-attack, Hassan raced to the byline and his cutback found Zico, who finished from close range.
Argentina will now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals in Kansas City on Saturday.
