Argentina produced one of the greatest comebacks in their history to defeat Egypt 3-2 in Atlanta and advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup. The match, which could have been the last World Cup appearance for either Lionel Messi or Mohamed Salah, saw the 2022 champions show resilience despite not being at their best.
Egypt's Historic Start
Egypt had won their first-ever knockout match in the World Cup by beating Australia on penalties in the round of 32. They entered the match against Argentina with an unbeaten run of five games. The Pharaohs started fearlessly, taking the game to the reigning champions. The deadlock was broken in the 11th minute when Marwan Attia's cross found Yasser Ibrahim, who powered a header past goalkeeper Eli Martinez.
Argentina had a chance to equalize five minutes later when Nicolas Tagliafico won a penalty. However, Messi missed his second penalty of the tournament, with Egypt's keeper Mostafa Shobeir making a brilliant save. Shobeir continued to impress, denying Alexis Mac Allister's close-range header and Julian Alvarez's effort. Messi also hit the post from a free-kick.
Egypt Extends Lead
In the second half, Argentina pushed forward but Egypt remained dangerous on the counter. After 56 minutes, Haissem Hassan's run set up Salah, who passed to Zico, but the goal was ruled out for a foul. However, 10 minutes later, Zico's finish from Hassan's cross was allowed, putting Egypt 2-0 up. Substitute Trezeguet then hit the side netting as Egypt looked comfortable.
Argentina pulled one back after 76 minutes when Cristian Romero headed in from Messi's cross. The equalizer came inevitably from Messi in the 83rd minute, as Lautaro Martinez set him up and his shot went in off the bar despite Shobeir's touch. In stoppage time, Salah lost possession in Argentina's box, leading to a counter-attack where Enzo Fernandez headed Lautaro Martinez's cross past Shobeir to complete the comeback.
Historic Turnaround
This was the first time Argentina had overturned a two-goal deficit in a World Cup match. For Egypt, the dream ended in heartbreak after leading 2-0. The match will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in World Cup history.
