Argentina produced an astonishing comeback to keep their World Cup alive as they recovered from two down to beat Egypt 3-2 in stoppage-time.
Enzo Fernandez’s magnificent header completed the turnaround in an all-time classic round-of-16 tie in Atlanta. Cristian Romero did not score Argentina’s first until the 79th minute before Lionel Messi equalised, shrugging off his early penalty miss.
It was so cruel on Egypt. They led for over an hour after Yasser Ibrahim’s header and appeared to have eliminated the holders when Zico doubled the lead midway through the second half. Argentina could not control the counter-attack. They looked done.
But Messi, who was in tears when celebrating afterwards, conjured something that had looked unlikely for much of the match. Little had come off for the legend, having squandered his second penalty of the World Cup. He was facing an ignominious exit.
Lionel Messi scored Argentina’s equaliser against Egypt
The 39-year-old Argentina captain provided the assist for Romero’s headed goal before lashing the ball beyond Mostafa Shobeir to level. It altered the mood of the match entirely and Fernandez crushed Egypt’s dreams from Lautaro Martinez’s cross.
It was not without controversy. Egypt had earlier seen a Zico goal rightly disallowed for a foul on Lisandro Martinez in the build-up. They wanted the winner to be pulled back for a foul by the same player on Salah seconds before. But there was no reprieve.
It was an outrageous escape by a team fuelled by pure emotion. How many more times can that man Messi, and those who Gary Neville called his bodyguards, go to the well? Maybe three more times yet. This Argentina team have proven they are never beaten.
The key moments from Atlanta
15 – GOAL! Ibrahim headed Egypt in front to kick off the drama.
21 – PENALTY SAVED! Messi cannot beat Shobeir from the spot.
59 – DISALLOWED! Zico goal disallowed for foul on Martinez.
67 – GOAL! Zico beat Martinez to double Egypt’s advantage.
79 – GOAL! Romero pulled one back from Messi’s cross.
83 – GOAL! Messi levelled the game by lashing in a half-volley.
90+2 – GOAL! Fernandez headed in to complete the comeback.
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