Argentina vs Egypt 2026

Messi's magic sinks a brave Egypt in a thrilling round of 16 clash

In a match that had everything, Argentina survived a monumental scare from a fearless Egypt to reach the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a thrilling 3-2 victory. The Pharaohs shocked the reigning champions early, with Yasser Ibrahim rising above everyone to head Egypt in front in the 15th minute from a Marawan Attia cross. Just six minutes later came the first dramatic twist of the afternoon. Argentina were awarded a penalty, but Lionel Messi saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir, who guessed the right way and kept Egypt's dream alive.

The drama only intensified after the break. Egypt thought they had extended their lead around the 55th minute through Mostafa Zico, but VAR ruled it out for an earlier foul in the buildup, a huge reprieve for the South Americans. Egyptian joy was not delayed for long, though. In the 67th minute, Zico found a goal that did stand, making it 2-0 and pushing the Pharaohs to the brink of a historic upset. Argentina, however, refused to give in. Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute from a Messi cross, and four minutes later came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

In the 83rd minute, Messi produced a moment of pure genius. After a loose ball inside the box, he connected with a first time strike that deflected off Shoubir's hands, struck the crossbar and went in for 2-2, a goal that restored belief among the Argentine faithful. Deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernández rose unmarked to head home a Lautaro Martínez cross and complete the 3-2 turnaround, sealing one of the most memorable comebacks of the tournament.

For Egypt, this is a heartbreaking elimination but one to hold their heads high about, having pushed one of the tournament favorites to the limit and secured their place among the standout stories of the competition. For Argentina, the win earns a deserved place among the last eight, but it comes with a clear warning. Messi has now missed his last two penalties at this World Cup, four of the eight he has taken across his World Cup career, a stat that sits strangely alongside the decisive brilliance he produced minutes later. Surviving and advancing is all that matters now, and Argentina live to fight another day.