Argentina v Egypt - World Cup 2026 result as Enzo Fernandez scores dramatic late winner after Lionel Messi equaliser in comeback thriller

Lionel Messi scored and assisted as Argentina battled from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 and advance to the 2026 World Cup quarter-final.

The defending champions fell behind when Yasser Ibrahim won a battle in the air with Lisandro Martinez before heading beyond Emiliano Martinez to give Egypt a shock lead.

Just minutes later, Argentina won a penalty when Nicolas Tagliafico was brought down by Haissem Hassan and Messi had the chance to hit back instantly.

But he could not add to his tournament-leading seven goals as he missed his second penalty of the 2026 World Cup to become the first player in history to miss two penalties (excluding shoot-outs) in a single tournament.

In the second half, Mostafa Ziko thought he put Egypt 2-0 up after a thrilling counterattack goal before it was ruled out for a foul in the build-up. 

However, Ziko eventually did get his goal and Egypt’s second in the 67th minute to send Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first team to retain the World Cup for 64 years into huge doubt.

With 11 minutes remaining, Cristian Romero grabbed one back for Argentina, heading home Messi's pinpoint delivery to set up a frantic finale.

Just four minutes later, the ball dropped to Messi in the box and he smashed a first-time strike off the underside of the bar and over the line to send the Atlanta Stadium into chaos.

With the game set for extra time, Argentina burst forward through Lautaro Martinez, who swung in a deep cross from the right for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez to expertly guide a header into the far corner to clinch a dramatic win for Argentina.

It was close but their title defence goes on, and they will play either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-final.

Have we seen Mohamed Salah at the World Cup for the last time?

That could well have been his final match at the tournament for Egypt.

What a disappointing way to bow out for potentially the final time...

Argentina were the heavy favourites for this one and going out today would have been a monumental upset.

But instead, Egypt's shock 2-0 lead contributed to one of the World Cup's most iconic comebacks!

Argentina stay alive and will face either Switzerland or Norway in the last eight, hoping to meet either England or Norway in the semi-final...

Lionel Messi is in tears! Argentina cannot believe it!

Somehow, the world champions have battled back from two goals down with 11 minutes to play to win 3-2 and book their spot in the quarter-finals!

WHAT A GAME!

We've been playing for over 100 minutes now.

More time has been added after those celebrations and stoppages because of the clashes on the touchline.

Argentina looked down and out when Egypt went two goals ahead, but they have miraculously forced their way back into this - as world champions do - and have even managed to lead before extra time.

A genuinely unbelievable turn of events in Atlanta!

It was all kicking off on the touchline after that goal.

Salah felt that he was fouled in the box and wanted a penalty, only for Argentina to race forward and grab a third.

One of Egypt's staff members has been sent off.

Egypt are looking to attack the Argentina box, but Salah loses possession and Argentina steam forward.

Lautaro Martinez swings in a deep cross from the right and Enzo Fernandez is there to produce an incredible header!

The comeback is COMPLETE!

That's how long we've got to find a winner in normal time.

There were four minutes between the two Argentina goals. The world champions have shown immense character to get themselves back into the game from a really daunting position.

This could be one of the greatest World Cup comebacks!

Egypt fail to clear their lines and Montiel finds Messi in space, as the Argentina captain thunders a first-time strike off the underside of the crossbar and over the line! Incredible!

We're heading for extra time as things stand...

Who else?! Who else but Lionel Messi?! Incredible!!

He darts into the box with a weaving run and finds Martinez in the middle with a low cross, who guides the ball wide.

Messi swings the ball into the box and Romero is there to send a thumping header towards goal. Shobeir gets a strong hand to it, but he can't keep it out.

What an ending this could be!

Argentina get one back!

Trezeguet slams the ball into the side-netting. It was a poor effort, but it wastes a few more precious seconds.

And straight away Martinez has a shot from close range which is blocked.

Argentina have to throw everything at this now!

Time for us all to take a breather...

We could be watching Lionel Messi's final World Cup game - who would have thought that after what we've seen from him this tournament?!