Lionel Messi once again defied the odds to lead Argentina to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the World Cup last 16, scoring one goal and setting up another in a breathtaking late turnaround that left the 39-year-old in tears at the final whistle. The defending champions appeared to be heading for a humiliating exit after falling 2-0 behind to a first-half header from Yasser Ibrahim and a second-half strike from Mostafa Ziko, but a stunning three-goal salvo in the final 13 minutes kept their title defence alive.
Egypt had looked poised to produce one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, with goalkeeper Mostafa Shobair delivering a man-of-the-match performance that repelled wave after wave of Argentine attacks. Shobair, whose father Ahmed was Egypt's goalkeeper at the 1990 World Cup and whose time-wasting tactics against the Republic of Ireland led to the introduction of the back-pass rule, seemed destined to write his own chapter in football history. However, the script was rewritten by Messi, who inspired a comeback that will be remembered as one of the greatest in the tournament's history.
The match turned in the 77th minute when Messi, who had been largely contained by Egypt's disciplined defence, produced a moment of magic. Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, he curled a left-footed shot into the top corner, giving Shobair no chance and igniting the Argentine bench. Just four minutes later, Messi turned provider, threading a perfect pass through to Julian Alvarez, who slotted home to level the score. The stadium erupted as Argentina, who had looked beaten, suddenly found new life.
The winning goal came in the 84th minute, when a corner kick caused chaos in the Egyptian box. The ball fell to defender Cristian Romero, who smashed it into the net from close range to complete the turnaround. Messi, overcome with emotion, was seen in tears after the final whistle, embracing teammates and coaches as the reality of the escape sank in. The victory sent Argentina into the quarter-finals, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent.
The match was not without controversy. Egypt had a goal disallowed by VAR in the second half, with replays showing a soft foul in the build-up that many fans and pundits questioned. Social media erupted with accusations that the tournament was «rigged» in favour of Argentina, but the decision stood, and Egypt's dream of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time was shattered. Despite the controversy, there was no denying the drama of the finish, which showcased the resilience of Lionel Scaloni's side.
For Messi, the performance was another reminder of his enduring greatness. At 39, he continues to defy age and expectation, carrying Argentina on his back when it matters most. The victory also highlighted the depth of Argentina's squad, with players like Alvarez and Romero stepping up in crucial moments. For Egypt, the defeat was heartbreaking, but they can take pride in a performance that pushed the world champions to the brink.
The match will be remembered as a classic, a testament to the unpredictability of football and the never-say-die spirit of Lionel Messi. As Argentina march on, their fans will hope that this escape act is the catalyst for another deep run in the tournament.
