Argentina was on the brink of elimination, but reacted in time.
The Albiceleste came back a 2-0 against with three goals in just 13 minutes to defeat 3-2 to Egypt and classify the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals.
The first blow came in the first half.
After a corner kick taken from the right by Marawan Attia, the defender Yasser Ibrahim He gained position inside the area and beat Emiliano Martínez with a header to put the Egyptians ahead.
Argentina had the opportunity to respond almost immediately.
Nicolás Tagliafico was knocked down inside the area and the referee awarded a penalty. However, Lionel Messi could not convert: the archer Mohamed El Shenawy Shobeir guessed the shot and maintained the African advantage.
In the complement, Egypt struck again.
A quick counterattack led by Haissem Hassan ended with a pass into the area for Mostafa Zicowho defined to expand the difference to 2-0 and leave against the ropes to the world champion.
When the situation seemed irreversible, Messi appeared.
The Argentine captain raised his head and sent a precise cross that found Christian Cuti Rosemarywho won from above and hit a header to score a goal and give hope back to the Albiceleste.
Four minutes later the tie came. The Egyptian defense failed to clear a ball inside the area and, after a bicycle kick from Lautaro Martínez that left the ball alive, Messi appeared to connect a left-footed volley and make it 2-2.
The final blow was born in another Argentine counterattack.
Egypt lost the ball near the rival area and Lautaro Martínez He accelerated down the right wing.
The striker raised his head and sent a measured cross to Enzo Fernandezwho attacked the space and defined with a header to complete the comeback.
In just 13 minutes, Argentina transformed an almost certain elimination into a heroic qualification.
Lionel Scaloni’s team advanced to the quarter finalswhere he will face the winner of the key between Switzerland and Colombia.