Argentina stages dramatic comeback against Egypt to reach World Cup quarterfinals

Defending champion Argentina scored three goals in the final 13 minutes to overturn a 2-0 deficit and defeat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16, setting up a quarterfinal against Switzerland. The victory in Atlanta on Tuesday followed another scare in the previous round, where Argentina needed extra time to beat debutants Cape Verde 3-2.

Key moments

• Egypt led 2-0 through Yasser Ibrahim (15') and Mostafa Zico (67'). Messi missed a penalty in the 19th minute, his second miss of the tournament Source: AP News.
• Cristian Romero headed in a Messi cross in the 79th minute. Four minutes later, Messi equalized with a half-volley for his eighth goal of the World Cup, taking the lead in the Golden Boot race Source: AP News.
• Enzo Fernandez scored the winner in stoppage time, completing the comeback Source: CNA.

Context

Argentina had cruised through the group stage but struggled against Cape Verde, needing an own goal in extra time to advance Source: Al Jazeera. Messi has now scored in nine consecutive World Cup games, a record Source: AP News. Google reported its highest ever search queries per second after Argentina's winning goal Source: CNBC.

Reaction

Messi was in tears at the final whistle. "This group never gives up and keeps trying until the end," he said Source: CNA. Coach Lionel Scaloni called his players "phenomenal" . Argentina aim to become the first team since Brazil (1958, 1962) to win back-to-back World Cups.