Messi Inspires Argentina’s Incredible 3-2 Comeback Over Egypt to Secure World Cup Quarter-final Spot

Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a sensational 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt as the reigning world champions recovered from two goals down to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina looked set for an early exit after Egypt stunned the holders with goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, while Messi endured further penalty frustration after seeing his spot-kick saved by Mostafa Shobeir.

Despite trailing by two goals entering the closing stages, Lionel Scaloni’s men mounted an extraordinary comeback, scoring three unanswered goals in the final minutes to keep their World Cup defence alive.

Cristian Romero gave Argentina hope with a headed goal before Messi levelled the contest with a brilliant half-volley, extending his scoring streak to nine consecutive World Cup matches and taking his tally to eight goals at the tournament.

Enzo Fernandez then completed the dramatic turnaround with a stoppage-time header to send Argentina through to the last eight.

Messi, overcome with emotion after the final whistle, celebrated the dramatic victory with tears as teammates surrounded the Argentine captain.

Egypt’s players and coaching staff were left frustrated by several contentious refereeing decisions. Their celebrations were cut short after VAR ruled out what would have been a second goal for a foul earlier in the move, while one member of the coaching staff received a red card after protesting Argentina’s winning goal.

The match began perfectly for Egypt as Yasser Ibrahim headed home Marwan Attia’s cross before Argentina squandered a chance to equalise when Messi failed to convert from the penalty spot.

The miss marked another unwanted World Cup record for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who became the first player to miss two penalties in the same tournament after also failing from 12 yards against Austria in the group stage.

Shobeir delivered a goalkeeping masterclass throughout the contest, producing superb saves to deny Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez and frustrating Argentina’s attack for long periods.

Although VAR denied Egypt a second goal after the interval, Mostafa Ziko eventually doubled the Pharaohs’ lead following another swift attacking move orchestrated by Mohamed Salah.

With Argentina’s hopes fading, Romero’s header shifted the momentum before Messi produced a captain’s response by firing home the equaliser after Gonzalo Montiel’s cut-back.

Fernandez then rose highest to head home Lautaro Martinez’s cross two minutes into stoppage time, completing one of the greatest comebacks of the tournament.

The victory sends Argentina into the World Cup quarter-finals, where they will meet either Colombia or Switzerland as Messi’s dream of another world title remains alive.

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