Kathmandu: Argentina staged one of the greatest comebacks in FIFA World Cup history, storming back from a two-goal deficit in the final eleven minutes to defeat a valiant Egypt 3-2 at the Atlanta Stadium and secure a breathtaking passage into the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup.
For 79 minutes, an organized and lethal Egypt side appeared on the cusp of a historic upset. Inspired by a marvelous opening header from Ibrahim and a devastating counter-attack finish by Mostafa Zico, the Pharaohs held a richly deserved 2-0 cushion. Even when Lionel Messi uncharacteristically missed a first-half penalty, denied by Mostafa Shobeir, who joined an elite club of just three goalkeepers this century to save two non-shootout penalties in a single tournament, Egypt looked immovable.
Then, the world champions unleashed a force of nature. Cristian Romero ignited the spark in the 79th minute with a vital lifeline. Just four minutes later, Lionel Messi redeemed his earlier heartbreak, capitalizing on a weak clearance to drill a clinical, trademark left-footed equalizer past Mostafa Shobeir, sending the stadium into absolute pandemonium.
Deep into seven minutes of stoppage time, with the game stretched like a basketball match, Leandro Paredes made a heroic last-man tackle to deny Egypt a three-on-two breakaway. Moments later, Argentina launched a lightning counter-attack of their own. Enzo Fernández met a sweeping cross in the center of the box, planting a powerful header into the back of the net. It was the 3,000th goal in World Cup history, a fitting milestone to settle a historic, breathless encounter.
