Atlanta: Lionel Messi inspired defending champions Argentina national football team to a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt national football team after overturning a two-goal deficit in their FIFA World Cup clash.
Argentina appeared on the brink of elimination as Egypt took a 2-0 lead, with Yasser Ibrahim opening the scoring before Mostafa Zico doubled the advantage in the second half. An earlier goal from Zico had been ruled out following a VAR review.
Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced an outstanding display, including saving a first-half penalty from Messi. The miss marked Messi’s fourth failed World Cup penalty and his second penalty miss of the tournament.
With just 11 minutes remaining, Messi delivered a pinpoint cross that Cristian Romero headed home to reduce the deficit. Moments later, Messi levelled the score with a powerful left-footed strike that crashed in off the crossbar.
Deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernández completed the dramatic turnaround by heading home the winning goal, sealing one of the tournament’s most memorable comebacks.
Messi finished the match with one goal and one assist, once again proving decisive as Argentina kept their World Cup title defence alive.
For Egypt, the defeat ended a spirited campaign after coming within minutes of securing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
