Argentina rallies to beat Egypt 3-2 and reach the World Cup quarterfinals

Jul 7, 2026, 12:40 PM | Updated: 2:40 pm

Enzo Fernandez #24 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)

(Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)

BY JAMES ROBSON, AP SOCCER WRITER

ATLANTA (AP) — Lionel Messi did it yet again at this year’s World Cup.

The Argentina great scored once while inspiring his team to an improbable 3-2 victory over Egypt on Tuesday despite trailing by two goals with only 11 minutes to play.

The defending champions will next face either Switzerland or Colombia in quarterfinals on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri.

Messi, who was in tears after the final whistle, scored his eighth goal of this year’s tournament in the 83rd minute to level the score at 2-2. It was his record-extending 21st at the World Cup.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (Butch Dill, Associated Press)

Enzo Fernandez scored the winning goal in stoppage time to complete one of the great World Cup comebacks. Cristian Romero started the rally in the 79th minute.

Argentina had trailed 2-0 on goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico.

Messi also missed a chance in the first half when his penalty kick was saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. He later hit the post when the score was 1-0.

Argentina is bidding to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Brazil did so in 1958 and 1962.

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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson

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See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here

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Argentina rallies to beat Egypt 3-2 and reach the World Cup quarterfinals

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