Argentina staged a sensational second-half comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 and keep their FIFA World Cup title defence alive after overturning a two-goal deficit in a thrilling Round of 16 encounter.
Egypt stunned the defending champions with first-half goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, while goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir denied Lionel Messi from the penalty spot.
However, Argentina responded in spectacular fashion as Cristian Romero pulled one back before Messi equalised, setting the stage for Enzo Fernandez to score the dramatic winner in stoppage time.
Messi’s equaliser marked his 21st FIFA World Cup goal as Argentina secured a place in the quarter-finals.
Despite the defeat, Egypt protested several refereeing decisions, including a disallowed goal following a VAR review and a red card shown to one of the team’s coaching staff.
Argentina will now face either Colombia or Switzerland in the last eight.
