Argentina stun Egypt 3-2 as Messi atones for penalty miss
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- Argentina completed one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup history, scoring three goals in 13 minutes (79', 83', 90+2') to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Egypt and reach the quarter-finals.
- Lionel Messi had a penalty saved by Egypt goalkeeper Shobeir in the 21st minute, becoming the first player to miss two spot-kicks in a single World Cup.
- Messi atoned by setting up Cristian Romero's 79th-minute header — his first assist of the tournament — before lashing in a half-volley from inside the box in the 83rd minute.
- Egypt goals came from Yasser Ibrahim's 15th-minute header and Mostafa Zico's 67th-minute finish, with a Zico strike earlier disallowed at 59' for a foul on Martinez.
- Lautaro Martinez's introduction in place of Rodrigo De Paul gave Messi room to operate wider on the right after he had struggled in the congested centre of midfield.
- Enzo Fernandez headed in the 90+2 winner to seal the turnaround, capping a match in which Messi had earlier ballooned shots over and been dispossessed repeatedly.
- Roy Keane, speaking on ITV, called Argentina 'streetfighters' and said their refusal to give up made for an 'amazing game' with goals of 'amazing quality.'
Why it matters: Argentina's title defence survives a two-goal deficit, but Messi's historic penalty record — a first in World Cup history — reveals the holders now depend on a tactical shift to the wing to unlock an aging captain who struggled in central congestion for much of the match.
