Messi rebounds from penalty miss to fire Argentina past Egypt 3-2 into World Cup quarterfinals

The defending champions looked set for a shock exit after Egypt built a 2-0 lead, but three goals in the final 11 minutes secured Argentina a place in the quarterfinals.

Egypt made an energetic start and took the lead in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim rose above Lisandro Martinez to head Marwan Attia’s cross into the top corner following a well-worked set piece.

Argentina had an immediate opportunity to respond after Nicolas Tagliafico was fouled in the penalty area three minutes later, but Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir guessed correctly to save Messi’s penalty. It was Messi’s second missed penalty of the tournament.

Despite dominating possession, Argentina struggled to break down Egypt’s organized defense before halftime. Shobeir produced another outstanding save to deny Julian Alvarez from close range, while Messi struck the post with a curling free kick.

Egypt thought they had doubled their advantage early in the second half through Mostafa Zico, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul on Lisandro Martinez in the buildup.

The African side did not have to wait long for a second goal. In the 67th minute, Mohamed Salah led a counterattack before Haissem Hassan beat Nahuel Molina on the right and squared the ball for Zico to finish from close range, giving Egypt a 2-0 lead.

Argentina responded by introducing Lautaro Martinez and Nico Gonzalez, and the substitutions quickly paid off.Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute, powering in a header from Messi’s cross to reignite Argentina’s hopes.

Five minutes later, Messi drew the world champions level. Lautaro Martinez controlled a cross inside the box and laid the ball into the captain’s path, allowing him to volley in off the crossbar for his eighth goal of the tournament.

With the match heading toward extra time, Argentina completed the turnaround in the second minute of stoppage time. Lautaro Martinez broke down the right and delivered a cross that Enzo Fernandez headed into the far corner to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory.

The winning goal sparked protests from Egypt, whose players argued Alexis Mac Allister had fouled Hamdy Fathy in the buildup. Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir was booked for dissent, while a member of Egypt’s coaching staff received a red card after entering the field.

Argentina held on through seven minutes of added time to secure a place in the quarterfinals, where they will continue the defense of their World Cup title.

Messi finished the match with a goal, an assist and a missed penalty, while Lautaro Martinez contributed two assists in the second-half comeback.