Argentina produced a dramatic late turnaround to beat Egypt 3-2, scoring three times from the 79th minute onward — Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández completing a comeback that overturned what looked like an upset. A VAR intervention that disallowed an Egypt goal intensified the controversy. The win keeps Argentina’s title defense alive and sets up a clash with the Colombia–Switzerland winner in Kansas City.
Argentina stage stunning late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2
Argentina overturned a seemingly precarious position with an extraordinary finish, scoring three late goals to beat Egypt 3-2 and advance in the World Cup. Cristian Romero’s 79th-minute strike began the recovery, Lionel Messi’s equaliser followed, and Enzo Fernández sealed the turnaround deep into stoppage time.
The result preserves Argentina’s bid to defend the title and dramatically shifts the tournament narrative.
How the match unfolded
Egypt struck first and looked in control for much of the second half. A controversial VAR review erased what would have been a 2-0 lead for Egypt after a Mostafa Ziko goal in the 62nd minute, with the decision centered on a foul by Marwan Attia on Lisandro Martínez elsewhere on the pitch. That ruling altered momentum and added a bitter edge to the contest.
Argentina reacted with urgency. Cristian Romero’s header in the 79th minute gave the visitors hope, and Messi — as so often the case — delivered in the big moments with a composed finish to level the score. Enzo Fernández’s late, decisive goal in second-half stoppage time completed an improbable comeback and sent Argentina through.
VAR controversy and its consequences
The disallowed Ziko goal remains the match’s flashpoint. Egypt’s bench and players reacted with visible frustration, and coach Hossam Hassan called the decision an “injustice.” Whether the VAR intervention was correct will be debated, but its practical effect was clear: it shifted momentum and deprived Egypt of a psychological cushion that might have changed Argentina’s approach.
This game is another reminder that VAR decisions can inject decisive swings into knockout matches, affecting both the scoreboard and the emotional balance between teams.
What the result means for Argentina
The comeback reinforces two enduring truths about this Argentina side: resilience under pressure and Messi’s ability to influence major moments. Advancing keeps their defense of the World Cup alive and sets up a high-stakes meeting with the winner of Colombia vs Switzerland in Kansas City.
That said, the manner of the match exposes vulnerabilities. Egypt carved out significant chances and at points controlled the game; Argentina’s defense needed late heroics rather than dominance. For a team with title aspirations, tactical discipline and earlier defensive steadiness will be crucial in the rounds to come.
What it means for Egypt
Egypt leaves with heartbreak and a sense of what might have been. The team pushed a heavyweight opponent deep into the contest and demonstrated tactical organization and attacking intent. The VAR decision that nullified Ziko’s strike will sting, but the overall display suggests Egypt can compete on big stages and may be better for the experience even in defeat.
Looking ahead
Argentina’s dramatic escape provides momentum but also a warning: relying on late heroics is thrilling but precarious. Opponents in the next round will study how to exploit moments of defensive fragility. For Egypt, the immediate task is regrouping, learnings from the VAR episode and building on positives to push further next time.
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Overall, this match will be remembered not just for the late goals but for how small margins and officiating interventions continue to shape World Cup narratives.
New York Post
