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Lionel Messi leads Argentina to 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt and spot in World Cup quarterfinals

Lionel Messi leads Argentina to 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt and spot in World Cup quarterfinals | iNFOnews.ca
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

ATLANTA (AP) — Lionel Messi did it yet again at this year’s World Cup.

The Argentina great scored once while inspiring his team to an improbable 3-2 victory over Egypt on Tuesday despite trailing by two goals with only 11 minutes to play.

The defending champions will next face either Switzerland or Colombia in quarterfinals on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri.

Messi, who was in tears after the final whistle, scored his eighth goal of this year’s tournament in the 83rd minute to level the score at 2-2. It was his record-extending 21st at the World Cup.

Enzo Fernandez scored the winning goal in stoppage time to complete one of the great World Cup comebacks. Cristian Romero started the rally in the 79th minute.

Argentina had trailed 2-0 on goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico.

Messi also missed a chance in the first half when his penalty kick was saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. He later hit the post when the score was 1-0.

Argentina is bidding to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Brazil did so in 1958 and 1962.

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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson

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See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here

Lionel Messi leads Argentina to 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt and spot in World Cup quarterfinals | iNFOnews.ca
Egypt’s Mostafa Zico (11) celebrates scoring their first goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)
Lionel Messi leads Argentina to 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt and spot in World Cup quarterfinals | iNFOnews.ca
Egypt’s Yasser Ibrahim (2) celebrates after scoring the opening goal as Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) looks on during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Lionel Messi leads Argentina to 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt and spot in World Cup quarterfinals | iNFOnews.ca
Argentina’s Lionel Messi takes a free kick during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Lionel Messi leads Argentina to 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt and spot in World Cup quarterfinals | iNFOnews.ca
Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) fails to score from a penalty kick during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

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The Associated Press

James Robson

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

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