Argentina Stages Dramatic Comeback to Defeat Egypt 3-2, Messi Redeems Penalty Miss in World Cup Thriller

Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 and secure a quarter‑final spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after overturning a two‑goal deficit in a dramatic last‑16 encounter.

The reigning champions fell behind in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim powered home a header from a well‑worked corner. Argentina were handed a swift chance to respond after Haissem Hassan fouled inside the area, but Lionel Messi saw his penalty saved by Mostafa Shobeir, who recorded his second spot‑kick save of the tournament.

Shobeir frustrated Argentina throughout the first half with a string of impressive stops. Alexis Mac Allister was denied from close range, Messi struck the woodwork with a free‑kick, and Julián Álvarez was also kept out by the inspired Egyptian goalkeeper as Argentina went into the break trailing.

Egypt thought they had doubled their lead early in the second half through Mostafa Ziko, only for VAR to rule the goal out for a foul in the build‑up. The Africans eventually got their second in the 67th minute when Mohamed Salah sparked another quick attack before Haissem Hassan squared for Ziko to finish.

Argentina finally found a way back in the 79th minute as Cristian Romero headed in from Messi’s delivery. Four minutes later, Messi made amends for his earlier penalty miss, firing home from the edge of the box to level the game and score in his ninth consecutive World Cup appearance.

With extra time looming, Lautaro Martínez broke into space deep into stoppage time before crossing for Enzo Fernández, who headed home the winner in the 92nd minute to complete an extraordinary turnaround and send Argentina into the last eight.

Argentina will now face either Switzerland or Colombia as they continue their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title. Egypt exited the tournament after letting a two‑goal advantage slip heartbreakingly.

Messi’s missed penalty also saw him enter the history books for an unwanted reason. The Argentina captain became the first player to miss two penalties in a single FIFA World Cup tournament, excluding penalty shoot‑outs. He has now missed four of the eight penalties he has taken at the World Cup, having previously failed from the spot against Iceland in 2018, Poland in 2022, Austria earlier in the 2026 tournament, and now Egypt.