Argentina survive Egypt in five-goal thriller, reach World Cup quarter-finals (Photos)

Lionel Messi inspired a breathtaking late comeback as defending champions Argentina overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash on Tuesday, booking their place in the quarter-finals after one of the tournament's most memorable encounters.

For more than an hour, Egypt appeared destined for a historic upset.

Goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko had the African side within touching distance of a first-ever World Cup quarter-final, while Argentina looked short of ideas despite dominating possession.

But champions find a way.

Cristian Romero ignited the comeback in the 79th minute, Messi equalised four minutes later, and Enzo Fernández completed an astonishing turnaround in second-half stoppage time to send Atlanta Stadium into celebration.

Egypt stunned the world after just 15 minutes when Marwan Ateya’s perfectly delivered corner found Yasser Ibrahim, whose towering header beat Emiliano Martínez to hand the Pharaohs a shock lead.

Argentina had an immediate chance to respond after Nicolás Tagliafico was brought down inside the area, but Mostafa Shobeir produced a magnificent save to deny Messi from the penalty spot in the 21st minute.

It was the Argentine captain’s second penalty miss of the tournament, and Egypt carried their 1-0 advantage into halftime thanks to another series of outstanding saves from Shobeir.

The African side looked to have doubled their advantage just before the hour mark through Ziko, but VAR ruled the goal out for a foul in the build-up.

Argentina escaped, but only briefly.

Seven minutes later, Egypt struck again.

Mohamed Salah launched a swift counterattack before Haissem Hassan delivered a low cross that Ziko converted from close range to make it 2-0, leaving the defending champions staring at an early exit.

Lionel Scaloni responded with attacking substitutions, introducing Lautaro Martínez and Nicolás González, while Argentina threw everything forward in search of a way back.

Their breakthrough finally arrived in the 79th minute when Messi curled a superb corner into the box and Romero powered a header beyond Shobeir to halve the deficit.

The goal transformed the contest.

Four minutes later, Gonzalo Montiel's clever pass found Messi inside the area, and the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner fired a first-time effort that bounced in off the underside of the crossbar to level the match at 2-2.

The equaliser marked yet another milestone for Messi, who became the first player to score in six consecutive FIFA World Cup knockout matches.

With extra time looming, Argentina completed an extraordinary comeback in the second minute of stoppage time.

Julián Álvarez released Lautaro Martínez down the right flank, and the substitute delivered a pinpoint cross for Enzo Fernández, who guided a clinical header into the far corner to spark wild celebrations among the Argentine players and supporters.

Egypt pushed desperately for a late equaliser, but Argentina defended resolutely through 12 minutes of added time before French referee François Letexier signalled full time.

Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Egypt earned widespread admiration for a courageous display.

Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced several outstanding saves, while Salah, Ateya and Hassan were instrumental in one of the tournament's finest performances by an African nation.

Argentina, however, once again demonstrated the resilience that carried them to the world title four years earlier.

After surviving another major scare, Scaloni’s side remain firmly on course to defend their crown and advance to the quarter-finals, where their remarkable fighting spirit will make them formidable opponents.

Photos