Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in Atlanta on Thursday, scoring once and assisting another as the world champions rallied from two goals down with three strikes in 14 minutes to secure a World Cup quarter-final berth.
Egypt's Dream Start
Egypt took the lead through defender Yasser Ibrahim, who headed home from a set piece, escaping Lisandro Martinez to beat goalkeeper Emi Martinez. Argentina had a golden chance to equalise when Nicolas Tagliafico was fouled by Haissem Hassan, but Messi saw his penalty saved by Mostafa Shobeir. The miss means Messi has now failed to convert his last two World Cup penalties and four overall.
Despite that miss, Argentina should have levelled before halftime. Alexis Mac Allister saw a header well saved by Shobeir, and Julian Alvarez was denied from close range after Tagliafico's cutback.
Egypt Double Lead
After the break, Egypt thought they had doubled their lead when Hassan's run set up Mo Salah, who passed to Zico for a finish. However, the goal was ruled out by VAR for a foul on Tagliafico earlier in the move. Moments later, the same trio combined again: Hassan's low cross found Zico, who thumped home to make it 2-0.
Argentina's Fightback
With ten minutes remaining, Argentina found a lifeline. Messi's cross was headed home by Cristian Romero to reduce the deficit. Minutes later, after a scramble in the box, the ball fell to Messi, who struck home via the goalkeeper and crossbar. In stoppage time, Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez nodded in the winner to complete the turnaround.
Quarter-Final Clash
The victory sets up a quarter-final against either Colombia or Switzerland. Egypt will rue letting slip a two-goal lead in a dramatic evening in Atlanta.
