From 2-0 down to glory. Romero and Messi strike, Fernandez delivers the dagger at 90+
Egypt were 90 minutes from history.
Argentina refused to let them have it.
In a World Cup last-16 clash that swung from despair to delirium, defending champions Argentina came from 2-0 down to stun Egypt 3-2, with Enzo Fernandez burying the winner in stoppage time at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday.
And yes — Lionel Messi scored again.
![](https://www.theconclaveng.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Hartland.png")
—Egypt Dreamed. Argentina Woke Up—
For 80 minutes, it looked like the upset of the tournament.
Yasser Ibrahim headed Egypt in front in the 15th minute. Mostafa Zico doubled it. 2-0. The Pharaohs were roaring.
Messi even missed a penalty. Shobeir saved it. He later crashed a free kick off the post. Julian Alvarez was denied too. It felt like one of those nights.
The Pharaohs were 10 minutes from knocking out the World Cup holders. From a Messi vs Salah quarter-final.
Then Argentina remembered who they are.
—4 Minutes That Broke Egypt—
Cristian Romero pulled one back. The stadium erupted.
Four minutes later, Messi did what Messi does — he struck. 2-2.
Egypt were reeling. And just when extra time beckoned…
—90+ minute. Enzo Fernandez—
One last surge. One last finish. 3-2.
Game over. Dreams shattered.
—Now: The Title Defense Lives On—
Argentina survive. They are still chasing back-to-back World Cups — something no team has done since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Next up: Saturday in Kansas City vs the winner of Colombia vs Switzerland.
And the subplot everyone wanted?
Messi vs Salah will have to wait. For now, it’s Messi who marches on.
From 2-0 down. From a missed penalty. From the brink.
This is why they call them champions.
