Lionel Messi once again proved his enduring influence, rescuing Argentina from a precarious position to secure a dramatic victory over Egypt in their World Cup last-16 match. With just 11 minutes remaining in regulation time, Argentina faced an unexpected exit while trailing by two goals, courtesy of an early header from Yasser Ibrahim and a second strike from Mostafa Ziko.
Egypt’s goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir—son of former Pharaohs keeper Ahmed Shobeir—delivered an exceptional performance, frustrating the world champions throughout the match. His efforts were particularly notable given that Messi had already made history in this tournament by becoming the first player to miss two penalties, further complicating Argentina’s path forward.
The momentum shifted when Messi provided a crucial assist for Cristian Romero, offering the defending champions a lifeline. Shortly after, Messi found the net himself to equalize with only eight minutes remaining. This goal marked his 21st in World Cup history and his eighth of the current tournament, moving him ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland in the scoring charts. He also became the first player to score in six consecutive knockout-stage matches.
The decisive moment arrived when Mohamed Salah lost possession, leading to a swift Argentine counter-attack. Lautaro Martínez delivered a precise cross that Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández headed home to seal the victory. Despite Egyptian protests claiming a foul during the build-up, the goal stood, marking the first time a team has overcome a two-goal deficit so late in a World Cup match.
A visibly emotional Messi was hoisted into the air by his teammates following the final whistle. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, who had previously warned of the team being on high alert after their narrow victory over Cape Verde, was too overcome with emotion to complete his post-match interview.
The golden rule of football? Never write off Lionel Messi. Just when it looked like his dream of leading Argentina to the bicampeonato was in tatters, the 39-year-old came to his country’s rescue for the umpteenth time in spectacular fashion.
With 11 minutes to play and still reeling from Yasser Ibrahim’s early header and a second from Mostafa Ziko – named after the Brazil legend – Lionel Scaloni’s side were heading for the mother of all upsets against Egypt. Mostafa Shobeir – whose father, Ahmed, was the Pharaohs’ goalkeeper at the 1990 World Cup and whose
