Argentina’s title defence survived by the narrowest of margins as Lionel Scaloni’s side fought back from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3 to 2 and move into the quarter finals of the 2026 World Cup.
For long periods in Atlanta, Egypt looked ready to deliver one of the tournament’s greatest shocks. The Pharaohs, already riding high after beating Australia in the round of 32, stunned the champions after 15 minutes when Yasser Ibrahim rose above Lisandro Martinez and guided Marwan Attia’s cross into the bottom corner.
Argentina were given a route back soon after when Haissem Hassan brought down Nicolas Tagliafico in the box. Lionel Messi stepped up, but Mostafa Shobeir guessed correctly and produced a brilliant save. It was another missed World Cup penalty for Messi, who has now failed to score from four of his eight spot kicks at the tournament.
Shobeir continued to frustrate Argentina before half time. He kept out Alexis Mac Allister’s header and then made an outstanding one handed stop to deny Julian Alvarez, leaving Egypt deservedly ahead at the break.
The drama increased after the restart. Mostafa Zico had a goal ruled out by VAR, but the Egyptian forward eventually got his moment midway through the second half, finishing Hassan’s delivery to put Egypt 2 to 0 up and send their supporters into dreamland.
Argentina looked short of ideas until Cristian Romero gave them hope in the 79th minute with a powerful header. Five minutes later, Messi made amends for his earlier miss by smashing in a loose ball via the underside of the bar. It was his 21st World Cup goal and made him the first player to score in six straight knockout matches.
The Inter Miami forward now has eight goals in his first five games of this edition, the strongest start by any player since Gerd Müller scored 10 for Germany in 1970. Even at 39, Messi remains the figure Argentina turn to when the pressure is at its highest.
Egypt still had one huge complaint before the end. Mohamed Salah went down after contact from Alvarez, but referee François Letexier waved away the penalty appeals. Seconds later, Argentina broke forward and Enzo Fernandez headed in Lautaro Martinez’s cross in stoppage time.
That goal sealed a remarkable comeback and also marked the 3,000th goal in World Cup history. For Egypt, it was a crushing ending after a brave display. For Argentina, it was another escape, and their reward is a quarter final meeting with Switzerland.
