Argentina scores 3 late goals for World Cup comeback win over Egypt
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There are miracles in the World Cup too.
Trailing 2-0 late in the second half, Argentina scored three goals in less than 15 minutes to pull off an improbable comeback victory to keep their back-to-back hopes alive.
Argentina had numerous opportunities in the first half, including Lionel Messi’s penalty kick, but none found the target. Egypt, on the other hand, scored two goals in just three shots.
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Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates the third goal scored by Enzo Fernandez (not pictured) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Elsa/Getty Images)
Yaser Ibrahim put the defending champions on alert when he scored with a header from a beautiful cross in the 15th minute; this meant that Argentina came from behind for the first time in this World Cup.
About six minutes later, Messi’s left-footed penalty kick was stopped by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, who made several excellent saves throughout the first half. Messi also took a free kick from just outside the penalty area in the 31st minute, but the ball went towards the post.
In the 58th minute, Egypt found the back of the net again but was called back for a foul. However, “the ball does not lie” and nine minutes later, Mostafa Ziko scored with an attacking kick to put Egypt ahead 2-0.
As it turned out, this was exactly where Argentina wanted Egypt.
Argentinian Enzo Fernandez (24) celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Patrick Smith/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Cristian Romero scored with a pass from Messi in the 79th minute. Five minutes later, with Argentina receiving a loose ball in front of the Egyptian goal, Messi found the back of the net himself, sending the team into a frenzy and making him the first man to score in nine consecutive World Cup matches.
In stoppage time, Lautaro Martinez found Enzo Fernández, who scored with an unsalvageable header, giving Argentina a 3-2 lead. Egypt’s players and coaching staff were unhappy with the bench and numerous cards were distributed.
Argentina avoided a major defeat for the second time in as many matches as Cape Verde took extra time in the Round of 32.
Argentinian Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team’s second goal in the match played at Atlanta Stadium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup last 16 rounds. Picture date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)
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Argentina will now face the winner of Colombia and Switzerland, starting at 16:00 GMT.
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