Argentina rallies to beat Egypt 3-2, reaches World Cup quarterfinals

Dramatic Comeback

Argentina faced Egypt in the round of 16 of the World Cup in Atlanta on Tuesday. Egypt took the lead in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim headed in from close range. Lionel Messi had a chance to equalize from the penalty spot in the 19th minute, but Egypt's goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved his shot. With that penalty, Messi became the player with the most penalty kicks taken in World Cup history (8), breaking a tie with Harry Kane.

Egypt doubled their lead in the 67th minute through Mostafa Ziko after a counterattack. However, Argentina fought back. Cristian Romero scored with a header in the 79th minute, and Messi equalized in the 83rd minute. Enzo Fernandez scored the winner in the second minute of added time, making it 3-2.

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After conceding, Egypt received five yellow cards, while their goalkeeping coach Safan El Sagheer was sent off. Argentina will face the winner of the Switzerland vs. Colombia match in the quarterfinals.

Previous Success and Statistics

Argentina won all three group stage matches but needed extra time to beat Cape Verde 3-2 in the first knockout round. Messi has scored seven goals in this tournament, tying with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. Egypt's path to the round of 16 was more difficult: one win and two draws in the group, and a penalty shootout victory over Australia in the first playoff round.

This is the first World Cup with 48 teams, hosted by three countries. Three other quarterfinal matches are already set: France vs. Morocco, England vs. Norway, and Spain vs. Belgium.