Lionel Messi led Argentina to an improbable 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals. Despite trailing by two goals with only 11 minutes of regulation time remaining, the defending champions secured the win on Tuesday.
The rally began in the 79th minute with a goal from Cristian Romero. Messi then leveled the score at 2-2 in the 83rd minute, marking his 21st World Cup goal and eighth of this tournament. Enzo Fernandez scored the winning goal during stoppage time to complete the comeback.
Egypt had initially taken a 2-0 lead through goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico. Ibrahim scored in the 15th minute following a cross from Marwan Attia. While Argentina was awarded a penalty early in the match, Messi's shot was saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, marking his second penalty miss of the tournament.
Egypt's second goal arrived in the 67th minute via Zico, though an earlier attempt by Egypt had been disallowed following a video review for a foul.
Argentina will next compete in the quarterfinals in Kansas City, Missouri, against either Switzerland or Colombia on Saturday. Coach Lionel Scaloni expressed deep emotion regarding the victory, while Enzo Fernandez noted the group's determination to win the tournament again.
Argentina is currently pursuing the opportunity to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Brazil achieved the feat in 1958 and 1962.
