Argentina rally late to beat Egypt 3-2 and keep Messi's World Cup alive

ATLANTA: Argentina came from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic World Cup last-16 tie, preserving the holders' title defence and extending Lionel Messi's run in the tournament.

Egypt appeared on course for a major upset after Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko scored either side of a saved Messi penalty, leaving Argentina in serious trouble. The South American side, however, turned the match around in the closing stages as Cristian Romero began the fightback with a header before the final minutes produced a complete reversal.

Messi then levelled the score to register in a ninth straight World Cup match and move back into the lead in the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals at this tournament. Enzo Fernandez completed the comeback with a header two minutes into stoppage time to send Argentina into the quarter-finals.

According to Dawn, the defeat left Egypt angered by several contentious decisions, including a goal ruled out early in the second half. A member of the Egyptian coaching staff was also shown a red card during the match. At the final whistle, Messi was in tears as he celebrated with his teammates after Argentina avoided elimination.