Messi-Inspired Argentina Completes Stunning World Cup Comeback Against Egypt
Lionel Messi led Argentina to an improbable 3-2 victory over Egypt in the World Cup Round of 16 in Atlanta, turning a two-goal deficit with less than 20 minutes remaining into a dramatic win. The 39-year-old maestro, visibly emotional after the final whistle, orchestrated a remarkable turnaround that saw the reigning champions score three goals in 14 minutes.
Egypt, aiming for their first-ever quarter-final appearance, had taken a commanding lead with goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico, the latter coming after an earlier Zico goal was disallowed by VAR for a foul. Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir put in an inspired performance, even saving a first-half penalty from Messi, who has now missed two spot-kicks in this tournament.
The tide began to turn in the 79th minute when Cristian Romero pulled one back for Argentina. Just four minutes later, Messi himself found the equalizer, extending his World Cup goal tally to 21, with eight in this tournament. The comeback was sealed in stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez headed in the winner, sending Argentine fans into raptures.
Egypt’s players and coach Hossam Hassan expressed fury over what they called “injustice,” particularly citing the VAR decision to rule out Zico’s second goal when they were leading 1-0, and a perceived foul on Mohamed Salah just before Argentina’s winning goal. Despite their protests and a valiant effort, the Pharaohs ultimately succumbed to Argentina’s late surge, denying them a historic quarter-final berth.
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