The match began in the worst possible way for the reigning world champions. Egypt, having already made history by qualifying for the knockout stage, struck first. In the 15th minute, Yasser Ibrahim rose to connect with a header that made it 0–1. The situation grew even more complicated when Lionel Messi missed a penalty in the 20th minute—a golden opportunity denied by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, the standout player of the match. Frustration mounted for La Albiceleste as they watched their opponent—disciplined in defense and dangerous on the counterattack—solidify their lead.
Egypt's second goal, scored by Mostafa Zico in the 67th minute, was a crushing blow that seemed to seal the match's fate. Trailing 0–2 and running out of time, elimination became a very real possibility for Lionel Scaloni's team.
However, the response was swift. The team's fighting spirit—backed by the experience of having tasted glory—surfaced in the final minutes.
That was when the match took a dramatic turn in the span of just four minutes. Cristian Romero sparked the comeback in the 79th minute with a header off a cross from Messi. The captain—previously cast as the villain after missing a penalty—transformed into the hero by equalizing in the 83rd minute, netting his eighth goal of the tournament and proving he is still at the top of his game at age 39. The comeback was sealed in stoppage time (90'+2) when Enzo Fernández scored with a header from a Lautaro Martínez cross, sparking Argentine euphoria and leaving the Egyptian side devastated.
Argentina's victory was not without controversy; Egypt vehemently claimed a penalty should have been awarded earlier for a foul on Mohamed Salah and protested the disallowance of a goal due to an infringement flagged by VAR. Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan described the officiating as unfair, adding a layer of controversy to a heart-stopping finish.
With this victory, Argentina demonstrates its ability to overcome adversity—a quality that keeps the team steadfast in the battle to retain its world title. Its next challenge in the quarterfinals will be against Switzerland, and this match served as a reminder that, even when the team isn't playing its best, a champion's spirit can make the difference.
Credit: I used Google Translate.
