Messi's tears and a record-equalling goal seal Argentina's stunning 3-2 comeback over Egypt

Lionel Messi was in tears at the final whistle as Argentina completed a remarkable comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 in their World Cup last-16 tie at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, booking a quarter-final place in dramatic fashion.

The defending champions looked on the brink of elimination, trailing 2-0 deep into the second half after Yasser Ibrahim and Ziko struck for Egypt. Ziko also had a goal disallowed following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up, a decision that proved pivotal as Argentina mounted their recovery.

Cristian Romero pulled one back before Messi levelled at 2-2, setting the stage for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez to score in stoppage time and send Lionel Scaloni’s side through. The comeback was all the more remarkable given that Messi had earlier seen a penalty saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, the spot-kick awarded after Haissem Hassan fouled Nicolas Tagliafico.

Messi’s equaliser was his eighth goal of the tournament and means the Inter Miami forward has now scored in nine consecutive World Cup matches, equalling a record. The tally moves him ahead of both Kylian Mbappe of France and Erling Haaland of Norway at the top of the Golden Boot standings.

After the final whistle, cameras captured Messi in floods of tears as he celebrated with teammates on the pitch in Atlanta — an image that encapsulated the tension and relief of a night that could easily have ended Argentina’s title defence.

Argentina will face the winners of the last-16 match between Switzerland and Colombia in the quarter-finals. A victory there could set up a semi-final against England, should the Three Lions progress past Norway.