Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir fails to save a goal from Argentina’s Cristan Romero in Atlanta on 7 July 2026. [Getty]
Argentina narrowly avoided a stunning World Cup upset against Egypt on Tuesday as Lionel Messi inspired his side to a 3-2 victory in a dramatic game marked by controversial decisions.
Egypt looked poised to score a famous victory at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium after goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico left them 2-0 up with just 11 minutes of normal time remaining.
But Cristian Romero’s 79th-minute header from a pinpoint Messi cross gave the defending champions a lifeline at 2-1.
Four minutes later, Messi volleyed in a superb equaliser – his eighth goal of the tournament – to make it 2-2 and spark wild celebrations among the huge contingent of Argentina fans in the 68,239 crowd.
With extra-time looming, Enzo Fernandez nodded in a sensational winner in the second minute of time added on to finally break Egypt’s resistance.
“Being able to experience moments like this, honestly, I thank God, I’m privileged,” Fernandez said afterwards.
“I want to highlight my team-mates – we have a phenomenal group, a group that never gives up no matter the difficulties and adversity. We’re always together,” the Chelsea midfielder added.
In his post-match press conference, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said his team was treated unfairly and “suffered an injustice” on the back of several decisions that went in Argentina’s favour.
He took issue with referee Francois Letexier on several counts. Egypt had a goal that had initially put them up 2-0, but it was disallowed following a VAR review. And the Pharaohs were upset that a hard tackle in the penalty box late in stoppage time was not reviewed.
“I do not want to put it nicely and talk about hard luck. We have been cheated unfairly today, we have suffered injustice,” he told reporters.
“I’m not convinced with this outcome. I’m not convinced with the way things unfolded during this match,” Hassan said. “I would do not want to try to put it nicely here with beautiful wording, selective wording, and saying hard luck, and so on and so forth.
Fernandez’s goal capped what had been an epic contest, which also saw Messi miss a first-half penalty for the second time this tournament.
“The referee was not fair. The injustice was clear,” Egypt goalscorer Zico said.
“It’s clear that this tournament has been fixed.”
The win was another nailbiting close shave for Argentina, who had been taken to the wire by Cape Verde in an extra-time thriller in the last 32 on Friday.
(AFP and TNA staff)
