Argentina pulled off an incredible turnaround in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Egypt 3-2 in a thrilling Round of 16 match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. With time running out and trailing by two goals, the defending champions rallied to score three times in the final moments, securing their spot in the quarterfinals. The comeback kicked off in the 79th minute when Cristian Romero connected with a perfectly placed cross from Lionel Messi, heading it home. This goal sparked new hope for Argentina, narrowing the gap to 2-1 and shifting the momentum of the game after Egypt had seemed to be in complete control.

As the pressure mounted, Argentina found the equalizer just four minutes later, in the 83rd minute. Gonzalo Montiel played a crucial role in creating the opportunity as the ball bounced favorably in the penalty area following a defensive scramble. Messi was quick to react, unleashing a left-footed volley that hit the underside of the crossbar before crossing the line. This goal came just moments after Romero’s header, erasing Egypt’s lead and leaving the African team struggling to cope with Argentina’s late onslaught.

Enzo Fernández's third goal seals the game for Argentina

As the match ticked deep into stoppage time, Argentina pulled off a stunning turnaround thanks to Enzo Fernández. The decisive goal came in the 90+2nd minute when Argentina swiftly transitioned from defense to attack. Lautaro Martínez sent a perfectly placed cross into the box, and Fernández, arriving unmarked, powered a header past Mostafa Shobeir. This remarkable finish capped off an incredible comeback from being 2-0 down and secured Argentina’s spot in the World Cup quarterfinals. It also dashed Egypt’s dreams, as they were on the brink of pulling off one of the tournament's biggest upsets.

The match stats showcased Argentina’s dominance, even though they spent a good chunk of the game trailing on the scoreboard. The defending champions racked up 19 shots compared to Egypt’s five, with seven of those on target against Egypt’s two. Argentina boasted an expected goals (xG) value of 2.90, while Egypt managed just 0.97. They controlled 63 percent of possession, made 74 entries into the final third, and completed 191 out of 233 passes there, achieving an impressive 82 percent success rate.