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Miracles also exist in the World Cup.
Trailing 2-0 late in the second half, Argentina scored three goals in less than 15 minutes for an improbable comeback victory that kept their back-to-back hopes alive.
Argentina had numerous opportunities 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 with just three shots.
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Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates 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 by scoring in the 15th minute with a header from a beautiful cross, marking the first time Argentina had trailed in this World Cup.
Almost six minutes later, Messi’s left-footed penalty kick was saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, who made several other great saves during the first half. Messi also took a free kick from outside the area in the 31st minute, but it hit the post.
In the 58th minute, Egypt found the back of the net again, but was disallowed for a foul. However, “the ball doesn’t lie,” and nine minutes later, Mostafa Ziko scored on an offensive attack, putting Egypt up 2-0.
Apparently, that was exactly where Argentina wanted Egypt.
Enzo Fernandez (24) of Argentina celebrates scoring 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 after Argentina pulled away with a loose ball in front of the Egypt net, sending the team into a frenzy and making him the first person to score in nine consecutive World Cup matches.
In added time, Lautaro MartÃnez found Enzo Fernández, who scored with an insurmountable header, giving Argentina a 3-2 lead. The Egyptian players and staff were not happy from the bench and numerous cards were handed out.
It is the second time in as many games that Argentina avoided a major upset, needing extra time to beat Cape Verde in the round of 32.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match 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 winner of Colombia and Switzerland, which starts at 4 pm ET.
