Argentina beat Egypt 3-2 in the round of sixteen at the 2026 World Cup in Atlanta, overturning a 0-2 deficit in the final minutes. The reigning world champions will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals.

Egypt took the lead in the 15th minute: Attia delivered a cross from the left and Ibrahim headed past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. In the 19th minute a foul by Haissem Hassan on Tagliafico in the box earned Argentina a penalty, but Messi was denied by goalkeeper Shobeir, who had an outstanding performance throughout. Shobeir also saved a close-range header from Mac Allister in the 28th minute and a volley from Alvarez in the 39th. Messi struck the outside of the post with a long-range free kick in the 31st minute. Egypt ended the first half leading 1-0.

In the second half, Zico found the net in the 59th minute but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review for a foul by Ateya at the start of the move. Egypt doubled their lead in the 67th minute: Salah broke forward centrally and played the ball wide to Haissem Hassan, who set up Zico for the finish.

Trailing 0-2, Argentina began their comeback in the 79th minute: Messi delivered a precise ball into the box and Romero headed in to make it 1-2. Four minutes later, in the 83rd minute, Messi scored the equalizer, beating Shobeir with a volley after a sequence involving a cross and a touch from Montiel. In the second minute of stoppage time, Lautaro Martinez received the ball on the right and crossed for Enzo Fernandez, who headed into the corner for the 3-2 winner.

According to the outlet Open, Messi became the first player to miss two penalties in a single World Cup edition. The same source reports that the Argentine now has 21 career World Cup goals, making him the all-time leading scorer in the competition.

At the final whistle Messi was visibly emotional and burst into tears. Speaking after the match, Enzo Fernandez said: "Incredible to experience a moment like this again after Qatar 2022. We have a phenomenal group, it shows even in difficult moments. Thanks to my teammates and our fans." He added: "We are here enjoying another World Cup. We took another step forward."

Egypt, who have never reached a World Cup quarter-final, were eliminated despite holding a two-goal lead until the 79th minute.