Argentina Secures Comeback Victory After Early Scare Against Egypt
July 7, 2026 ยท By yayscore Newsroom
Updated:
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Argentina overcame an early deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a thrilling Round of 16 encounter, with Messi scoring a crucial late goal.
Argentina clawed back from a challenging start to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a pulsating Round of 16 match. Egypt took a surprising early lead through Y. Ibrahim in the 15th minute, setting up an elimination tie full of suspense. Lionel Messi then missed a penalty in the 21st minute, adding to Argentina's early frustration and leaving them searching for an equaliser. This setback highlighted the unpredictable nature of knockout football, with the favourites struggling to assert dominance.
The second half saw increased drama and a shift in momentum. Egypt thought they had extended their lead in the 58th minute, but M. Ziko's goal was disallowed by VAR for a foul, a critical moment that kept Argentina in the game. Egypt did find the net again, with M. Ziko scoring in the 67th minute, restoring their lead after C. Romero had equalised for Argentina in the 79th minute. Just when it seemed Egypt might cause a major upset, Messi delivered a decisive goal for Argentina in the 83rd minute, pushing the South American giants ahead for the first time.
The turning point came with Messi's late strike, which finally gave Argentina the lead after a relentless pursuit. Despite Egypt's spirited challenge and momentarily going ahead twice, Argentina's resilience and star power ultimately prevailed. E. Fernandez sealed the win with a goal in the dying moments of extra time, ensuring Argentina's progression.
This victory means Argentina advances to the next knockout round, keeping their World Cup aspirations alive. For Egypt, it marks the end of their impressive journey, demonstrating their ability to compete with top-tier nations despite ultimately falling short in a closely contested battle. The match served as a testament to the high stakes and unpredictable nature of knockout stage football.