Argentina reached the World Cup quarter-finals after a late turnaround against Egypt, winning 3-2 with Enzo Fernandez scoring in the 92nd minute at Atlanta Stadium. Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico had earlier given Egypt a 2-0 lead, before Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi helped Argentina pull level in a tense knockout clash.

This World Cup victory also saw Messi equal Miroslav Klose’s mark of 14 knockout appearances and extend several personal records. Egypt, meanwhile, went close to a major upset, becoming the first CAF team to lead reigning champions by at least two goals in a World Cup match before Argentina’s response changed the tie.

Argentina had never previously recovered from two goals down in 13 World Cup attempts, yet this team overturned that history. Egypt led 2-0 by the 67th minute through Ibrahim and Zico, and Argentina trailed at half-time in a World Cup match for the first time since the 2010 quarter-final defeat against Germany, despite creating regular chances.

Before kick-off, Argentina staff highlighted Egypt’s threat, especially after the difficult win over Cape Verde in the previous round, and those concerns were justified. Egypt pressed aggressively from the start and restricted Argentina’s rhythm, while quick counter-attacks through Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan consistently unsettled Lionel Scaloni’s defence during a demanding World Cup evening.

The opening goal arrived on 15 minutes when Ibrahim climbed above Lisandro Martinez to meet Marwan Attia’s precise cross at the back post and head past Emiliano Martinez. Argentina’s problems increased soon after, as a smart pass from Fernandez released Nicolas Tagliafico, who was then brought down in the area by Haissem Hassan.

The foul gave Messi a first-half penalty, yet Mostafa Shobeir guessed correctly, diving left to save. That failure later ensured Messi entered World Cup history for an unwanted reason.