Messi inspires stunning Argentina comeback to edge Egypt 3-2 in World Cup thriller
The Mt Kenya Times 
Late strikes from Romero, Messi and Enzo Fernández send holders through to the quarter-finals
By Norman Mwale
Just when Egypt looked ready to write World Cup history, Lionel Messi and Argentina had other plans.
The defending champions produced a dramatic second-half comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 in a pulsating Round of 16 tie at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium) on Tuesday, snatching victory deep into stoppage time in front of 68,239 breathless fans.
For long stretches, this looked like the shock of the tournament. Egypt were disciplined, sharp and utterly fearless in the first half. Centre-back Yasser Ibrahim broke the deadlock in the 15th minute, rising highest from a corner delivered by Marwan Attia to head the Pharaohs into a deserved lead. Argentina dominated the ball but couldn’t find a way through, and their frustration deepened when Messi saw a first-half penalty saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir — his second missed spot-kick of the tournament.
Egypt doubled their advantage in the 67th minute through Mostafa Zico, who finally got his goal after an earlier effort in the same move was ruled out for offside. With less than 25 minutes remaining and Argentina trailing 2-0, a shock defeat looked to be on the cards.
Then Messi and his teammates found another gear. Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute, rising to head home and spark belief on the Argentina bench. Four minutes later, Messi levelled the tie in trademark fashion — a first-time strike off a loose ball in the box that clipped the underside of the crossbar and dropped in, sending the Argentina end into raptures.
With the match ticking into stoppage time, substitute Lautaro Martínez turned provider, whipping in a cross that Enzo Fernández met with a header to complete one of the great World Cup comebacks. Egypt pushed for a response in the additional minutes but could not find a way past a resolute Argentina defence.
The result sends Argentina through to the quarter-finals, while Egypt will rue missed chances despite a gutsy, spirited display that pushed the holders to the brink. Argentina finished with 61 per cent possession and 10 shots, four on target, against Egypt’s two shots and one on target.
Speaking after the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his side’s resilience. “We suffered, we conceded two goals, but the mentality of this group is extraordinary. Leo showed why he is the best, and the young players responded. This is a victory for belief.”
Messi, named Player of the Match, reflected on a tough afternoon. “It was very difficult. Egypt defended very well and scored two good goals. But we kept playing, we kept trying. The team never gave up. This win means a lot to us.”
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan was proud despite the heartbreak. “We played almost 70 minutes of perfect football. We scored two goals and had chances for more. To concede three goals late on is hard to accept, but I am proud of the players. We showed we can compete with the best.”
Argentina now turn their attention to the quarter-final stage, while Egypt’s World Cup journey comes to a close — but not before showing the world exactly what they’re capable of.
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