NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Miracles also exist in the World Cup.
Down 2-0 late in the second half, Argentina scored three goals in less than 15 minutes to pull off an unlikely comeback win to keep its back-to-back hopes alive.
Argentina had several opportunities early on, including a Lionel Messi penalty in the first half, but nothing could find the back of the net. Egypt, on the other hand, scored twice in just three shots.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates the team’s third goal scored by Enzo Fernandez (not pictured) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Elsa/Getty Images)
Yasser Ibrahim officially put the defending champions on upset alert by scoring in the 15th minute on a header from a beautiful cross, marking the first time Argentina had gone behind at this World Cup.
Almost six minutes later, Messi’s left-footed penalty was stopped by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, who made plenty of other fine saves throughout the first half. Messi also had a free kick from just outside the box in the 31st minute, but it went off the post.
In the 58th minute, Egypt again found the net, but it was called back due to a foul. But “the ball doesn’t lie” and nine minutes later Mostafa Ziko scored on an attacking move to put Egypt 2-0 up.
Apparently, that’s exactly where Argentina wanted Egypt.
Enzo Fernandez (24) of Argentina celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Patrick Smith/FIFA via Getty Images)
BELGIUM MANAGER PRAISES CLASSIC GESTURE BY Folarin BALOGUN AFTER RED CARD CONTROVERSY: ‘I REALLY LIKE THAT’
Cristian Romero scored in the 79th minute on a pass from Messi. Five minutes later, Messi found the back of the net himself after Argentina pounced on a loose ball in front of Egypt’s net, sending the squad into a frenzy and making him the first person to score in nine consecutive World Cup games.
In stoppage time Lautaro Martinez found Enzo Fernández who scored with an unstoppable header to give Argentina a 3-2 lead. Egypt’s players and staff were not happy from the bench and several cards were handed out.
It is the second time in as many games that Argentina avoided a massive upset as it took extra time to squeak past Cape Verde in the round of 16.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his second goal of the match during the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 match at Atlanta Stadium. Image date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
Argentina will now face the winner of Colombia and Switzerland, which kicks off at 4 p.m. ET.
