DOHA: Defending champions Argentina staged a sensational second-half comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Round-of-16 clash, securing their spot in the quarterfinals.
Egypt took an early lead in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim found the back of the net, holding onto the 1-0 advantage until halftime.
The Pharaohs doubled their lead early in the second half through Mostafa Zico, putting Argentina in a precarious 0-2 deficit.
However, the reigning champions launched a furious late-game resurgence.
Argentina pulled one back to make it 1-2 before talisman Lionel Messi struck an equalizer in the 83rd minute to level the score at 2-2.
This marked Messi’s 8th goal of the 2026 World Cup, propelling him back to the top of the tournament’s goal-scoring charts. Earlier in the match, Messi had missed a penalty—his second missed spot-kick of the tournament.
With the game pushed into extra time, Argentina maintained relentless pressure. In the fourth minute of the seven added minutes, Argentina netted the decisive third goal to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory, scoring three unanswered goals in the final phase of the game to keep their title defense alive.
