Argentina produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a pulsating FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash, overturning a two-goal deficit to book their place in the quarter-finals after an unforgettable contest dominated by Lionel Messi’s brilliance.

Egypt looked on course for one of the biggest upsets of the tournament after taking an early lead through Yasser Ibrahim, whose close-range header from Marwan Attia’s cross gave the Pharaohs a deserved advantage in the 15th minute.

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The North Africans nearly doubled their lead before the interval, while Argentina squandered a golden opportunity to level when Messi saw his 21st-minute penalty brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.

Egypt struck again early in the second half when Mostafa Ziko finished off a swift counterattack after being set up by Mohamed Salah.

Although another Egyptian goal was later ruled out following a VAR review, Ziko restored the two-goal cushion in the 67th minute, racing onto Haissem Hassan’s pass to make it 2-0 and leave the South Americans staring at elimination.

With time running out, Argentina responded with the resilience that has defined many of their greatest victories.

Cristian Romero ignited the comeback in the 79th minute, heading home from a Lionel Messi corner to halve the deficit and revive Argentina’s hopes.

Just four minutes later, Messi delivered the moment of magic his side desperately needed. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner met Gonzalo Montiel’s cross with a superb volley that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar to level the contest at 2-2, sparking wild celebrations among the Argentine supporters.

As Egypt struggled to withstand relentless pressure in stoppage time, Argentina completed the turnaround in dramatic fashion. Lautaro Martínez whipped in a dangerous cross that Enzo Fernández converted from close range in the 92nd minute, sealing a stunning 3-2 victory.

Despite Egypt’s disciplined display for much of the contest and an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Shobeir, Argentina’s attacking quality ultimately proved decisive.

The victory sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into the World Cup quarter-finals after one of the tournament’s most dramatic matches, while Egypt bow out with heads held high following a courageous performance that pushed one of the favourites to the limit.

Messi’s Argentina produce epic fightback to sink Egypt, reach World Cup quarters