From 0-2 to 3-2: Lionel Messi’s remarkable return of Argentina’s script against Egypt, attack to the quarter-finals of the World Cup

Argentina staged one of the most dramatic comebacks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 at the Atlanta Stadium, keeping the title alive with three goals in the last 11 minutes. Lionel Scaloni’s side looked destined for a shock exit after Egypt built a deserved 2-0 lead, but late strikes from Cristiano Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández completed a remarkable turnaround to book their place in the quarter-finals. Egypt entered the match with a disciplined defensive plan and executed it brilliantly for most of the evening. Operating in a compact shape that denied Argentina space in the middle, the Pharaohs frustrated the reigning champions before striking first from the penalty spot in the 15th minute.The breakthrough came in the 15th minute after Egypt won a corner kick in a set piece routine. Marwan Attia came on and curled a tempting delivery straight into the penalty area. Yasser Ibrahim brilliantly eluded his keeper Lisandro Martínez before sending a downward header past Emiliano Martínez to give Egypt a stunning early lead.

Egypt’s Yasser Ibrahim (2) scores during the World Cup round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Argentina responded immediately and thought they had the perfect opportunity to equalize midway through the first half. Rodrigo De Paul cut a superb pass into the box for Julián Álvarez, whose quick turn was stopped when Ramy Rabia cut his ankle. The referee pointed straight to the penalty spot, but Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced one of the saves of the tournament when he dived low to his left to keep out Lionel Messi’s effort. Lautaro Martínez was quickest to react to the rebound, but Mohamed Hany pounced on a desperate block to preserve Egypt’s lead heading into half-time.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) fails to score from a penalty kick during the World Cup round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Despite dominating possession after the restart, Argentina struggled to break through Egypt’s organized defensive structure. Instead, the underdogs doubled their lead in the 67th minute from a devastating counter-attack. After a quick break involving Mohamed Salah, Haissem Hassan made a brilliant and damaging drive down the wing. The winger carried the ball forward and an intelligent, textbook cross crossed in front of goal. Mostafa Ziko arrived unmarked at the back post to beat Emiliano Martínez’s finish to put Egypt 2-0 up, leaving the world champions facing an emergency exit.

Egypt’s Mostafa Zico (11) scores the second goal during the World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Scaloni responded by deploying more players forward, pushing Cristiano Romero into advanced positions during the attacking phases while instructing his side to cross earlier into the penalty area. The tactical adjustment changed the game.Argentina finally found a way back in the 79th minute through sheer desperation and width. Lionel Messi confidently found space and flew a zigzag cross to the far post. Cristian Romero timed his run perfectly to beat Karim Hafez, head convincingly past Mostafa Shobeir and into the far corner to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Argentina’s Cristian Romero scores his opening goal during the World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

The equalizer came four minutes later. Egypt were unable to clear their lines after Shobeir’s long kick was caught by De Paul almost halfway through. Julián Álvarez drove straight at the retreating defense and then disguised a perfectly balanced back pass into Messi’s path. The Argentina captain took one level touch before calmly slotting into the bottom corner to make amends for his earlier penalty and draw the holders level at 2-2.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the World Cup round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

With the momentum completely changed, Argentina continued to press for the winner as Egypt retreated deeper into their own half. The decisive moment came in the 93rd minute (90+3′) of the break of the second half. After an energetic drive through the middle of the park, a pinpoint delivery was lifted into the heart of a packed box. Enzo Fernández, coming in from deep midfield, timed his run perfectly to rise in the center of the penalty area before curling a dramatic header past Mostafa Shobeir to complete an extraordinary 3-2 comeback and spark wild celebrations among the Argentina players.

Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez (24) celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

The stats reflected Argentina’s territorial dominance, even as Egypt threatened to cause one of the biggest upsets of the World Cup. The Albiceleste finished with 61 percent possession, 17 shots to Egypt’s four, seven attempts on target compared to two and won nine turnovers, forcing sustained pressure throughout the closing stages. Egypt, meanwhile, defended resolutely for long periods despite committing 14 fouls and yellow cards for Ramy Rabia, Marwan Attia and goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. Argentina collected bookings for Rodrigo De Paulo and Cristiano Romero. For almost 80 minutes, Egypt had the defending champions exactly where they wanted them. But Romero’s header reignited Argentina’s belief, Messi responded when his side needed him most and Fernández completed a comeback that will go down as one of the most memorable knockout victories at the 2026 World Cup. Argentina now progress to the quarter-finals with their title defense intact, while Egypt exit the tournament having pushed the world champions to the limit.