Lionel Messi inspires Argentina to all-time great World Cup comeback against Egypt

July 7, 2026 Updated Tue., July 7, 2026 at 11:46 a.m.

The Athletic

Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to one of the great World Cup comebacks as they came back from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 in a round of 16 match at the Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday and seal their place in the quarterfinals.

Argentina had found themselves behind at halftime in the World Cup for the first time in 16 years after Yasser Ibrahim’s 15th-minute header and a Messi penalty saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.

The reigning champions appeared to be on the brink of elimination when Mostafa Ziko put Egypt 2-0 up in the 67th minute, after already having seen a goal ruled out for a VAR intervention on a challenge in the build-up.

Lionel Scaloni’s side had other ideas. Cristian Romero gave them hope with his 79th-minute header, before the 39-year-old Messi sent Argentinians into delirium with his improbable – or perhaps probable – equalizer off the crossbar. There had been four minutes and 18 seconds between the goals.

And they completed the fightback in stoppage time, as Enzo Fernandez rose highest in the 92nd minute to head home a brilliant cross from Lautaro Martinez. It left Messi in tears during the celebrations.

Will be updated

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Lionel Messi inspires Argentina to all-time great World Cup comeback against Egypt

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

U.S. women hold off France to extend dynasty by the slimmest of margins

With Olympic gold on the line, Steph Curry, LeBron James deliver for U.S.

A reinvigorating Olympics usher in a new era of U.S. women’s soccer