Messi Strikes Late As Argentina Edge Egypt 3-2

COLOMBO (News 1st); Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez delivered late heroics as Argentina staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup Round of 16 encounter at Atlanta Stadium, securing a place in the quarter-finals after a pulsating contest that went down to the final moments.

Egypt stunned the South American giants early in the match when Yasser Ibrahim found the back of the net in the 15th minute, giving the African side a shock lead and increasing belief that another World Cup upset could be on the cards.

Argentina struggled to break down a disciplined Egyptian side for much of the contest, and the pressure intensified when Mostafa Zico doubled Egypt's advantage in the 67th minute, leaving the reigning world champions staring at a surprise elimination.

However, Argentina mounted a remarkable late fightback. Defender Cristian Romero sparked the comeback in the 79th minute, reducing the deficit and shifting momentum firmly in Argentina's favour.

As the clock ticked down, captain Lionel Messi once again rose to the occasion, scoring the equaliser in the 83rd minute to bring Argentina level at 2-2 and ignite celebrations among the Argentine supporters.

With extra time looming, Enzo Fernandez produced the decisive moment of the match. The midfielder struck deep into stoppage time in the 90+2 minute to complete Argentina's dramatic turnaround and hand his side a 3-2 victory.

Egypt's frustrations were compounded in stoppage time when Saafan Elsaghir was shown a red card in the 90+4 minute, ending the match with the Pharaohs reduced to ten men.