Lionel Messi Leads Argentina to Late Comeback Win Over Egypt in World Cup

Argentina pulled off a stunning comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 in the World Cup round of 16, booking a spot in the quarterfinals. Lionel Messi, playing just 11 minutes of regular time, scored the equalizer and set up the winner in a finish no one saw coming, according to Review Journal.
Egypt had been two goals up and 90 minutes away from one of the greatest World Cup upsets in history. Instead, Argentina flipped the script in the final stretch to advance.
Egypt struck first through Yasser Ibrahim, then doubled the lead with a goal from Mostafa Zico. The two strikes gave Egypt a 2-0 advantage and left Argentina's fans stunned, according to Nation Africa. For long stretches, it looked like one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history was unfolding.
Argentina struggled to break Egypt down. Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, was limited in his time on the pitch. With the clock winding down, few believed a comeback was possible.
Messi entered the game and made an immediate impact. In the 83rd minute, he scored his eighth goal of the tournament — a record-extending 21st World Cup goal — to pull Argentina back to 2-1, according to CTV News.
The goal jolted Argentina back to life. They kept pressing and found an equalizer to make it 2-2. The momentum had completely shifted. Argentina then scored a third to seal the win in the closing minutes, completing a comeback that left Egypt heartbroken.
Messi's goal was his 21st in World Cup history, extending his own all-time record. His eighth goal of this tournament puts him among the most dangerous players in the competition, according to Vancouver Island CTV News.
Argentina now advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face a fresh challenge. For Messi, the comeback adds another chapter to a World Cup legacy that already includes the 2022 title. At 37, he continues to deliver when it matters most.
For Egypt, the loss stings. They were 90 minutes away from the quarterfinals. Their players — especially goalscorers Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico — had played the match of their lives, according to Nation Africa.
Egypt's exit ends a promising run. They had the lead, the crowd's attention, and the chance to make history. In the end, one player — Messi — made the difference. It is a result Egypt will not forget for a long time.
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