Argentina staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 at Atlanta Stadium and book their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after recovering from a two-goal deficit.

The reigning world champions looked to be heading for a shock exit after Yasser Ibrahim gave Egypt an early lead before Mostafa Zico doubled the advantage in the 67th minute. Lionel Messi had earlier endured a frustrating first half after seeing his penalty saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, who produced a string of impressive saves to keep Argentina at bay.

However, Lionel Scaloni’s side mounted another remarkable fightback. Cristian Romero pulled one back with a header from Messi’s cross before the Argentina captain levelled the scores four minutes later with a powerful strike that went in off the crossbar. Deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez headed home Lautaro Martinez’s cross in the 92nd minute to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory and send Argentina into the last eight.

The match was not without controversy, with Egypt having a goal ruled out following a VAR review shortly before the hour mark. Mostafa Zico thought he had doubled Egypt’s lead after being set up by Mohamed Salah on a swift counterattack, but the referee overturned the goal after ruling that Marwan Attia had fouled Lisandro Martinez in the build-up.

The decision sparked debate, with many questioning whether there had been enough contact to justify disallowing the goal. Egypt eventually scored their second goal minutes later through Zico after another fast break, but Argentina’s late resurgence led to a comeback.

Argentina will now face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals.

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