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Miracles also exist in the World Cup.
Trailing 2-0 at the end of the second half, Argentina scored three goals in less than 15 minutes to come away with an improbable comeback victory and keep their back-to-back hopes alive.
Argentina had plenty of chances early on, including a Lionel Messi penalty in the first half, but nothing could find the back of the net. Egypt, on the other hand, scored twice from just three shots.
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Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring the team’s third goal scored by Enzo Fernandez (not pictured) during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Elsa/Getty Images)
Yasser Ibrahim officially put the defending champions on alert when he scored in the 15th minute with a header from a magnificent cross, marking the first time Argentina had trailed in this World Cup.
Nearly six minutes later, Messi’s left-footed penalty was saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, who made numerous other important saves throughout the first half. Messi also won a free kick from just outside the box in the 31st minute, but it went off the post.
In the 58th minute, Egypt found the net again, but they were called back following a foul. However, “the ball doesn’t lie”, and nine minutes later Mostafa Ziko scored on an attacking surge, putting Egypt 2-0 ahead.
Apparently, this was exactly where Argentina wanted Egypt.
Enzo Fernandez (24) of Argentina celebrates his team’s third goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Patrick Smith/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Cristian Romero scored in the 79th minute from a pass from Messi. Five minutes later, Messi found the back of the net himself after Argentina came away with a loose ball in front of the Egyptian net, sending the team into a frenzy and making him the first to score in nine consecutive World Cup matches.
In stoppage time, Lautaro Martinez found Enzo Fernández, who scored with an unsaveable header, giving Argentina a 3-2 lead. The Egyptian players and staff were not happy from the bench and many cards were distributed.
It was the second time in as many matches that Argentina avoided a massive upset, as they needed extra time to escape Cape Verde in the round of 16.
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the round of 16 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium. Photo date: Tuesday July 7, 2026. (Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)
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Argentina will now face the winners of Colombia and Switzerland, which kicks off at 4 p.m. ET.
