How Lionel Messi, Argentina completed rapid comeback to avoid elimination vs. Egypt

Days after nearly falling to upset-minded Cape Verde, Argentina appeared to be done in by Egypt.

Despite being out-shot fairly heavily, the Egyptian side took a 2-0 lead deep into the second half, buoyed by an early penalty miss by Lionel Messi.

Argentina didn't score until the 79th minute, but that proved to be more than enough time. Argentina became the first team in World Cup history to trail by multiple goals so late in a game and still win without even going to extra time, turning what could have been a devastating exit into a sensational 3-2 win.

Here's a look at how Argentina made history in Atlanta.

MORE: Where Argentina's win ranks among best World Cup comebacks ever

How Argentina completed comeback vs. Egypt

VAR erases would-be Egypt goal

Egypt believed it had taken a 2-0 lead early in the second half on a brilliant breakaway goal, but VAR determined that a foul had occurred on the other side of the field, negating the goal and drawing criticism from the broadcast.

After review, Egypt is called for a foul and the goal is disallowed. pic.twitter.com/9KJiFgVjMI

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 7, 2026

While the foul appeared to be legitimate, many wondered whether VAR was going beyond its purpose by finding the foul long before the goal was scored and changing the result.

Egypt would score a second goal anyway just minutes later, so it's fair to place more blame on the team's defense over the final 20 minutes than on the overturned goal.

Haissem Hassan subbed off for Egypt

Haissem Hassan, who had an assist and was playing well for Egypt, was substituted off due to an apparent injury after 74 minutes with his side leading 2-0.

After Hassan's exit, Egypt struggled to counter-attack and looked markedly less effective. Argentina scored all three of its goals with Hassan on the bench.

MORE: Updated World Cup Golden Boot rankings

Cristian Romero cuts deficit in half

A goal by Cristian Romero breathed life into Argentina in the 79th minute, as he became the first player to get the ball past Egypt goalie Mostafa Shobeir and brought the pro-Argentina crowd back into the picture.

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 7, 2026

Romero was initially credited with Argentina's go-ahead goal against Cape Verde on Friday before it was changed to an own goal, so he has been right in the mix for these late-game scoring opportunities.

Lionel Messi equalizer

After his first four shots came and went without a goal, Messi delivered an equalizer in the 83rd minute on a ball that bounced off Shobeir's hands and into the net.  

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 7, 2026

Once Messi scored, it became clear where the match was headed. Argentina had all of the momentum, and it didn't take long for that momentum to turn into a third goal.

MORE: Breaking down Lionel Messi's PK history

Enzo Fernandez header for the lead

It was a matter of when, not if, Argentina would find the back of the net again, and a header Enzo Fernandez ultimately won it for the reigning champions in stoppage time.

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 7, 2026

The goal came right after Argentina turned away what was rare Egypt opportunity at that point, quickly getting the ball back on their side and rapidly converting the opportunity. It was Fernandez's first goal of this World Cup, and it sent Argentinian fans in Atlanta into a complete frenzy.

After Egypt came unglued in the final minutes, earning a handful of yellow cards, Argentina held on for the 3-2 win.