Messi and Argentina Stun Egypt in Epically Wild World Cup Comeback
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In a match that will go down in World Cup folklore, reigning champions Argentina pulled off a breathtaking, late-game heist, scoring three goals in the final 11 minutes of regulation and stoppage time to defeat Egypt 3-2 and secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
For most of the night, a monumental upset was brewing. Egypt stunned the favorites by taking a 1-0 lead into halftime. In the 67th minute—just moments after having a goal controversially disallowed by VAR—the Pharaohs doubled down on their defiance, slicing through the Argentine defense to make it 2-0. Argentina’s title defense was on life support.
Then came the late, chaotic, beautiful rally.
The Great Escape
The comeback sparked to life in the 79th minute when defender Cristian Romero found the back of the net, breathing urgent life back into La Albiceleste.
Just minutes later, it was time for the maestro. Capitalizing on a frantic goal-mouth scramble, Lionel Messi fired a lethal left-footed strike past the Egyptian keeper to equalize at 2-2. The goal kept Argentina’s tournament dreams alive and extended Messi's legendary status with his 21st career World Cup goal.
Stoppage-Time Drama
The final blow came in the 92nd minute. Capping off a lightning-fast counter-attack, Lautaro Martínez whipped a precise cross from the right flank. Enzo Fernández met it with a flawless, thumping header, sending the ball into the back of the net and sending the Mercedes-Benz Stadium crowd in Atlanta into absolute euphoria.
From 2-0 down to a 3-2 victory, Argentina somehow found a way.
Up Next: Argentina marches on to Kansas City, where they will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 11.
(Adapted from USA Today)
