Argentina recovered from a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic World Cup last-16 match on Tuesday. The defending champions advanced to the quarter-finals after goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez overturned an early Egypt lead.
The match took place in Atlanta with Egypt leading through Yasser Ibrahim's 15th-minute header and Mostafa Ziko's strike in the 67th minute. Argentina pulled one back when Romero headed in from Messi's cross in the 79th minute before Messi equalised five minutes later.
Enzo Fernandez headed the winner in the third minute of stoppage time from Lautaro Martinez's cross. Egypt protested several refereeing decisions including a disallowed goal and claims for a penalty in the build-up to the decisive strike.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said after the match that the World Cup appeared directed towards Argentina. Messi described the result as crazy and noted that his team suffered but fought until the end.
Argentina will face the winner of Switzerland versus Colombia in the quarter-final scheduled for July 12.
