Argentina scaled through a massive scare as they came from the back to discomfit Egypt 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match on Tuesday 7 July, 2026 at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, United States (US).
The White and Sky Blue delivered a jaw-dropping comeback in the second half after falling two (2) goals behind the Pharaohs; this happened after the South American side survived an earlier scare in the hands of Cape Verde.
Argentina were forced into the extra time by Cape Verde after the Island country came back twice in the Round of 32 showdown in Miami, US, only for an own goal to save Lionel Scaloni’s side in the 111st minute.
The White and Sky Blue thought their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign had come to an end after Egypt went two (2) goals in front through Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico in the 15th and 67th minutes respectively.
However, in the 79th minute, Tottenham Hotspur defender, Cristian Romero, netted the first for Argentina, and Lionel Messi levelled in the 83rd minute; the Inter Miami forward would have levelled for Argentina in the 21st, but, he missed his chance from the penalty spot.
And, in the 3rd minute of additional time, Lautaro Martinez’ cross located the head of Chelsea midfielder, Enzo Fernandez, who netted the winner for the reigning Kings of the World.
Argentina will now face the winner between Switzerland and Colombia in the quarter finals of the tournament.
With his goal against the Pharaohs, Messi has now climbed one goal ahead of Kylian Mbappe of France with eight (8) goals, topping the chart of goalscorers of the FIFA World Cup 2026; both Messi and Mbappe are contending for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Photo: Lionel Messi celebrates after Argentina clinched a 3-2 comeback win in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 against Egypt in Atlanta, US on Tuesday | Carlos Barria/Reuters
