Messi leads Argentina’s dramatic turnaround into the quarter‑finals

Argentina reached the World Cup quarter‑finals after producing a remarkable second‑half comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2, with Lionel Messi once again at the heart of the drama. The Pharaohs struck first after 15 minutes, when Ibrahim headed in Ateya’s cross, and Shobeir later denied Messi from the penalty spot to preserve Egypt’s lead at the break. The second half opened with Argentina pushing forward, but Egypt remained dangerous in transition and doubled their advantage when Zico finished a swift counter‑attack.

Scaloni’s side refused to fold. In the 79th minute, Messi delivered a superb cross that Cristian Romero headed into the top corner. Five minutes later, the captain levelled the match with a powerful volley after a loose ball in the box. Argentina completed the turnaround when Enzo Fernández met Lautaro Martínez’s precise cross, guiding his header into the far corner to seal a stunning comeback and keep the Albiceleste’s title defence alive.