Messi turns Egypt heartbreak into a 3-2 Argentina escape

Argentina came from 2-0 down in Atlanta on Tuesday to beat Egypt 3-2, with Lionel Messi driving a remarkable late World Cup turnaround. Egypt were 11 minutes from eliminating the holders before Cristian Romero, Messi and Enzo Fernandez scored in a frantic finish.

The Full Story

Egypt struck first after 15 minutes. Mohamed Hany won a corner and Marwan Attia delivered for Yasser Ibrahim, whose powerful header put the Pharaohs ahead and forced Argentina to chase the match. The holders then received a route back when Haissem Hassan brought down Nicolas Tagliafico, but Mostafa Shobair saved Messi's penalty.

Shobair kept frustrating Argentina, denying Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Alvarez, while a Messi free-kick hit the outside of the post. According to The Guardian's match report, Argentina went into half-time behind in a World Cup match for the first time since their 4-0 quarter-final defeat by Germany in 2010.

Egypt thought they had added another goal early in the second half, but VAR ruled out Ziko's breakaway finish after an earlier infringement in the build-up. The second eventually arrived in the 67th minute when Haissem Hassan beat Nahuel Molina and cut the ball back for Ziko to finish past Emi Martínez.

Then the match flipped. Messi crossed for Romero to head in after 79 minutes, scored the equaliser four minutes later and watched Fernandez complete the comeback with a 92nd-minute header. Egypt protested over incidents before the winner, including contact involving Mohamed Salah, while the live match coverage recorded bookings and angry scenes as the goal stood.

Key Figures

Lionel Messi was the central figure in Argentina's escape. After missing his first-half penalty, he assisted Romero and scored the equaliser, taking his World Cup total to 21 goals. The sources also record that it was his eighth goal of this tournament.

Mostafa Shobair nearly became Egypt's match-winner. He saved Messi's penalty and produced several more stops before Argentina's late pressure finally broke through.

Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko scored Egypt's two goals, while Enzo Fernandez delivered the decisive header in stoppage time. Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush began on the bench and came on after Romero reduced the deficit.

Facts & Figures

Egypt led 2-0 after 67 minutes, yet Argentina scored three times from the 79th minute onwards. Romero struck on 79, Messi levelled on 83 and Fernandez completed the turnaround in the 92nd minute.

The result ended Egypt's campaign after a run that had already included their first World Cup finals victory and a penalty-shootout win over Australia. Argentina, meanwhile, kept alive their attempt to retain the trophy they won in 2022.

What This Means

For Argentina, the victory keeps their title defence alive but also exposes problems that appeared in their previous extra-time win over Cape Verde. Egypt repeatedly threatened on the counterattack and were close to taking a three-goal lead before the comeback began.

For Egypt, the defeat is especially painful because the side had controlled the scoreline for most of the match and stood within minutes of a first World Cup quarter-final. The arguments around the disallowed goal and the incidents before Argentina's winner will add to the sense of frustration, but the campaign also produced the country's best results at a World Cup finals.

There is a clear British interest in what happens next. Argentina's side of the draw could lead to a semi-final against England if both teams progress, adding further significance to a quarter-final that will already carry enormous pressure.

What to Expect

Argentina will face the winner of Switzerland against Colombia in the quarter-finals in Kansas City on Saturday. The winner of that tie is scheduled to meet Norway or England in the semi-finals on 15 July.

Messi's penalty record will remain a concern after another miss, while Scaloni must address how his team allowed Egypt to build a two-goal advantage. The confirmed next step, though, is simple: Argentina's World Cup continues, and Egypt's ends after a match they came within 11 minutes of winning.

FAQ

What was the Argentina vs Egypt score?

Argentina beat Egypt 3-2 after coming back from 2-0 down.

Who scored for Argentina against Egypt?

Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez scored Argentina's three goals.

Who scored Egypt's goals?

Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring before Mostafa Ziko made it 2-0 in the second half.

Did Messi miss a penalty against Egypt?

Yes. Mostafa Shobair saved Messi's first-half penalty before Messi later assisted one goal and scored another.

Who will Argentina play next?

Argentina will face the winner of Switzerland against Colombia in the quarter-finals in Kansas City.

Could Argentina play England in the World Cup?

Yes. The sources state that the winner of Argentina's quarter-final could meet England or Norway in the semi-finals on 15 July.