Argentina Stages Dramatic Comeback To Beat Egypt 3-2
Argentina rallied from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 in a thrilling World Cup round-of-32 match, advancing to the quarterfinals on July 7 in Atlanta. Lionel Messi's penalty and Enzo Fernández's late goal completed the comeback in just 13 minut
Argentina nearly bowed out after falling behind 2-0 to Egypt, but mounted a stunning 13-minute comeback to secure a 3-2 victory and advance to the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals on July 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Argentina defeated Cabrera 3-2 in their round-of-32 match, while Egypt reached the tournament by defeating Australia on penalties 5-3.
Coach Lionel Scaloni deployed a 4-1-3-2 formation with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defenders Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Nicolás Tagliafico, midfielders Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul, and forwards Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Lionel Messi, and Julián Álvarez. Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan used a 4-4-2 setup featuring Mohamed Salah and Mostafa Ziko.
In the first half, Egypt's Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 15th minute. Argentina earned a penalty in the 18th minute, but Messi's shot was saved. The second half saw Argentina dominating possession while Egypt set up a tight defensive wall, waiting for counterattack opportunities. In the 58th minute, Mohamed Salah set up Mostafa Ziko for what appeared to be a goal, but VAR ruled it an Egyptian foul.
In the 67th minute, Mostafa Ziko extended Egypt's lead to 2-0 with a stunning shot from just two attempts. However, Argentina's Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute to make it 1-2. In the 84th minute, Lionel Messi scored his eighth goal of the tournament from a penalty, leveling the match at 2-2. In the 90+2nd minute, Enzo Fernández secured an incredible 3-2 victory for Argentina.
Argentina advances to the quarterfinals to face the winner of Switzerland versus Colombia on July 12 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
