SPORTS
Defending champion Argentina rallies to beat Egypt 3-2 and reach the World Cup quarterfinals
Lionel Messi scored his eighth goal of this year's World Cup, in this match.
Argentina's Enzo Fernandez (24) celebrates his side's third goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Picture credit: AP
Atlanta: Holders Argentina survived a massive scare and staged an amazing comeback with three late goals to earn a 3-2 win over Egypt on Tuesday that sent them through to the World Cup quarter-finals.
- Enzo Fernandez headed the winning goal three minutes into stoppage time from a Lautaro Martinez cross to stun Egypt who thought they had at least taken the champions to extra time.
- Cristian Romero pulled one back for Argentina with 11 minutes remaining from a free header and Lionel Messi levelled the tie four minutes later with a blistering strike from inside the area.
- Egypt went in front in the 15th minute, Yasser Ibrahim getting ahead of his marker Lisandro Martinez to power a header into the far corner.
- Messi's penalty was saved by keeper Mostafa Shobeir, the Argentina captain's second miss from the spot in the tournament.
- Mostafa Zico had a goal ruled out but went on to double Egypt's lead with 23 minutes left
- Argentina will meet Switzerland or Colombia in Saturday's quarter-final in Kansas.