Argentina launched a stunning late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in Atlanta, taking their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For much of the game, Egypt were in control, hobbling Argentina early, with the Egyptian attack beginning almost immediately through a stunning header from Yasser Ibrahim in the 15th minute.
After Ibrahim’s opener, Messi saw his penalty saved by an inspired Egyptian goalkeeper Shobeir, who also kept out efforts from Mac Allister and Alvarez before half-time. Mostafa Zico then got on the scoresheet in the 67th minute after fine work from Hassan on the right wing, though an earlier Egyptian goal had been disallowed after a VAR review for a foul on Lisandro Martinez.
It looked like Argentina was finished. On the brink of elimination. But no one told the Argentine players that. In the 79th minute, Messi fired a cross near the Egyptian goal and Cristian Romero headed it in. Messi was not done. Four minutes later, he powered a shot past the Egyptian keeper to make it 2-2. Enzo Fernandez then completed the comeback in the second minute of stoppage time, sending Argentina through to the quarter-finals and leaving Egypt shattered.
Egypt’s Coach Was Furious
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan complained about the officiating after the match. “I am not convinced. I am not convinced with this outcome. I’m not convinced with the way things unfolded during this match,” he said. “We have been treated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice.” “We would have deserved to earn this win, but we are leaving with honour, with pride, regardless of this defeat,” Hassan added.
The anger was understandable. Egypt controlled the match for over 75 minutes, defended with discipline and intelligence, and were within one goal of a quarter-final. The comeback that undid them was extraordinary, not routine, and Egyptian supporters will long debate whether different officiating decisions would have changed the outcome.
Salah’s Final World Cup
The match almost certainly marks the end of Mohamed Salah’s World Cup career. The 34-year-old, arguably Africa’s greatest footballer of his generation, leaves the tournament having given everything in what was widely expected to be his final appearance on the sport’s biggest stage. He was engaged throughout, harrying defenders and creating space, but the goal that would have secured Egypt’s passage to the last eight never came.
Where other players failed to fill Messi’s shoes, Salah departs the World Cup a legend in his own right. He leaves having taken Egypt to the Round of 16 of their first World Cup in 28 years, and having led one of the tournament’s most organised defensive performances against the world’s best side. Tonight there is pain. Tomorrow there will be pride.
What Comes Next
Argentina will now play Switzerland in the quarter-finals after the Swiss beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a 0-0 draw. Messi’s record-extending 21st FIFA World Cup finals goal, his side scored three goals in 13 remarkable minutes, is the kind of moment that defines why the tournament produces no certain outcomes until the final whistle. Egypt will reflect on what might have been and Argentina marches on.
Africa Presents is a Pan-African digital magazine and monthly publication covering politics, business, economy, culture, tech, and the stories shaping Africa and its diaspora. Visit africapresents.com and follow @AfricaPresents for daily coverage and monthly themed magazine editions.
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