Argentina miraculously overcame a two-goal deficit in just 14 minutes during their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against Egypt in Atlanta. Egypt had taken a commanding 2-0 lead with goals from Yasser Ibrahim in the 15th minute and Mostafa Zico in the 67th minute. Lionel Messi had also missed a first-half penalty, adding to Argentina's woes. The reigning champions appeared to be on the verge of a shock exit, having been sent to extra time in the previous round against Cape Verde.
The dramatic turnaround began in the 79th minute when Cristian Romero halved the deficit. Just five minutes later, Lionel Messi, who had scored in a record sixth consecutive World Cup knockout match, equalized, bringing his tournament goal tally to eight and his overall World Cup goals to 21. The comeback was completed in the second minute of injury time by Enzo Fernandez, who headed home Lautaro Martinez's cross. This marked the 3,000th goal in World Cup history and the first time in World Cup history that a team had won a knockout match in regulation after trailing by two goals in the 75th minute.
The emotional victory saw many players, including Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Julian Alvarez, and Nahuel Molina, expressing immense relief and pride. Coach Lionel Scaloni also shared his emotional reaction, highlighting the team's never-give-up attitude. The win sets up a quarter-final clash against Switzerland in Kansas City, Missouri, as Argentina continues its bid to become the first back-to-back World Cup champions since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
