KUCHING: For a fleeting moment, Lionel Messi stood on the brink of what looked like his final act at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta Stadium.
Then came Cristian Romero.
With Argentina visibly stunned after falling two goals behind and Messi having earlier seen a first-half penalty saved, the reigning champions looked destined for a shock exit before producing one of the tournament’s greatest comebacks to beat Egypt 3-2 and reach the quarter-finals.
The holders had already survived one scare after needing extra time to edge Cape Verde in the Round of 32, but an even bigger test awaited in Atlanta.
Egypt struck with their very first meaningful attack.
Yasser Ibrahim rose ahead of Lisandro Martinez to power a header beyond Emiliano Martinez, silencing the Argentine supporters and handing the Pharaohs a dream start.
Argentina thought they had the perfect opportunity to respond before the break when they were awarded a penalty, only for Mostafa Shobeir to deny Messi from the spot, leaving the world champions trailing at half-time and staring at an early exit.
Egypt sensed history.
Mostafa Zico doubled the advantage in the second half after finishing off a swift attack, sending the Pharaohs to within touching distance of one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history as the Argentine players cut increasingly frustrated figures.
Just when it seemed the curtain was about to fall on Argentina’s title defence, Romero threw the holders a lifeline.
The defender climbed highest to power home a header in the 79th minute, reigniting belief before Messi completed his redemption five minutes later with the equaliser that brought Argentina level at 2-2.
The strike not only revived the contest but also extended Messi’s Golden Boot tally to eight goals while strengthening his all-time World Cup scoring record to 21 goals.
With extra time looming, Argentina delivered one final twist.
Deep into stoppage time, Lautaro Martinez burst down the flank and delivered a teasing cross that Enzo Fernandez met with a towering header in the 90+2nd minute, completing a scarcely believable turnaround and sealing Argentina’s place in the last eight, where either Colombia or Switzerland await.
The final whistle sparked scenes of relief rather than triumph. Players rushed towards Messi before lifting their captain into the air, moments after a night that had threatened to end in heartbreak instead became another chapter in Argentina’s remarkable resilience.
Egypt, meanwhile, were left to reflect on an extraordinary performance that came agonisingly close to toppling the defending champions, only to see the dream slip away in the closing moments.
