Messi rescues Argentina with three goals in 14 minutes to stun Egypt 3-2 in Atlanta

Lionel Messi inspired one of the most dramatic World Cup comebacks in recent memory on Wednesday, as Argentina overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 in Atlanta and advance to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

The 2022 world champions looked destined for a stunning group-stage exit after Egypt dominated large stretches of the match. Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring with a headed goal, escaping Lisandro Martinez to nod past Emi Martinez. Argentina were then handed a lifeline when Nicolas Tagliafico was fouled in the box, but Messi — who had already scored seven goals in the tournament — saw his penalty parried away by Mostafa Shobeir diving to his left. It was the fourth World Cup penalty Messi has failed to convert.

The miss compounded Argentina’s misery, and Shobeir went on to produce further fine stops to deny Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez before the break. Egypt then appeared to put the result beyond doubt early in the second half. Haissem Hassan charged down the right flank and picked out Mohamed Salah, whose inch-perfect pass found Ziko, who finished with composure. The goal was initially ruled out by VAR for a foul in the build-up, but Egypt were not kept waiting long — Hassan, Salah and Ziko combined again moments later for Ziko to make it 2-0.

With ten minutes remaining and elimination looming, Argentina finally found a foothold. Cristian Romero powered home a header from a Messi cross to make it 2-1. Messi then delivered the equaliser his nation needed, finishing clinically to level at 2-2. The turnaround was completed deep into stoppage time when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez struck to send Argentina through.

The victory sets up a quarter-final against either Colombia or Switzerland. Egypt, meanwhile, will be left to reflect on a night in Atlanta when they came agonisingly close to one of the great World Cup upsets.