Argentina overturned a 2-0 deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a World Cup last‑16 clash, completing a dramatic 13‑minute comeback.
Cristian Romero sparked the resurgence with a header, and Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández each added goals to secure the win.
The result advances Argentina to the quarter‑finals, where they will face the victor of the Switzerland‑Colombia encounter.
Messi, visibly emotional, celebrated with his teammates after the final whistle and admitted relief after missing an early penalty.
He praised the squad’s perseverance, emphasizing that the group never gives up and fights until the final whistle.
Coach Lionel Scaloni shared his own emotions, joking that players have nicknamed him “the cry baby,” and reflected on the significance of such moments for former players turned coaches.
Messi’s 83rd‑minute strike raised his tournament total to eight goals, putting him ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland in the scoring race.
With the eighth goal, the eight‑time Ballon d’Or winner now has 21 goals across six World Cups, two more than Mbappé’s 19.
Argentina’s next match is scheduled for early Sunday morning, with a potential quarter‑final opponent of either England or Norway if they progress.
