Lionel Messi and Argentina produced one of the great comebacks in World Cup knockout history, rallying from two goals down to stun Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, July 7, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Egypt announced itself early, taking a shock lead through Yasser Ibrahim in the 15th minute before doubling their advantage via Mostafa Ziko in the 67th. To make matters worse for the defending champions, goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir denied Messi from the penalty spot, leaving Argentina staring down elimination with time running short.
What followed was pure knockout-stage theatre. Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute, before Messi himself levelled the score in the 83rd with what commentators called an outright rocket — his eighth goal of the tournament and a moment that reignited his lead in the race for the Golden Boot. Argentina completed the turnaround in stoppage time when Enzo Fernández headed home the winner, sending the Albiceleste bench into delirium.
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The match was not short on drama beyond the goals themselves. VAR reviews and a disallowed Egyptian goal for a foul added tension throughout, while chaotic late-game scenes saw multiple cards issued, including a red card shown to a member of Egypt’s coaching staff.
Messi’s Record Streak Continues
Despite the earlier penalty miss, Messi’s late equalizer extended his remarkable World Cup form — he has now scored in eight consecutive World Cup matches, a run stretching back to Argentina’s 2022 title-winning campaign, and has become the first player in tournament history to reach 30 World Cup appearances.
Argentina’s dramatic escape sends them into the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the Switzerland vs. Colombia Round of 16 clash. That quarterfinal is set for July 11 in Kansas City, as Messi and his side continue their bid to defend their title.