Messi inspires stunning Argentina comeback as holders beat Egypt in World Cup classic

Argentina national football team produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Egypt national football team 3-2 in a thrilling World Cup round-of-16 clash, keeping their title defence alive with a dramatic stoppage-time victory.

Egypt looked set for a famous upset after taking a two-goal lead. Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring with a first-half header before Zico doubled the advantage midway through the second half, leaving the defending champions on the brink of elimination.

Argentina's comeback began in the 79th minute when Cristian Romero headed home from a Lionel Messi cross. Just four minutes later, Messi redeemed himself after an earlier missed penalty by firing in the equaliser to completely change the momentum of the match.

With the game heading towards extra time, Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround in stoppage time, powering home a header from Lautaro Martinez's cross to send Argentina into the quarter-finals.

The match was not without controversy. Egypt had a goal ruled out after a foul on Lisandro Martinez in the build-up, while they also appealed for a foul in the moments leading up to Argentina's winning goal. However, the officials allowed the goal to stand.

Messi endured a difficult start to the match, becoming the first player to miss two penalties at a single FIFA World Cup after seeing his spot kick saved by Mostafa Shobeir. Despite the setback, the Argentina captain delivered when it mattered most, setting up Romero's goal before scoring the equaliser in an inspired late display.

The victory also made history. Argentina became the first team to recover from a two-goal deficit after the 78th minute to win a FIFA World Cup match in normal time without extra time.

After the final whistle, an emotional Messi celebrated with tears as Argentina completed one of the tournament's most memorable victories. The holders will now face Switzerland national football team in the quarter-finals.

Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez praised his team's resilience after the match.

"We have a phenomenal group, a group that never gives up no matter the difficulties and adversity. We're always together.

"Four years have passed since Qatar, and we've come to enjoy another World Cup, and we want to win it again. That's what we're aiming for."