Lionel Messi, wearing number 10 for Argentina, celebrated his team’s second goal during their World Cup match against Egypt in Atlanta. Despite trailing 2-0 late in the game, Argentina, the World Cup’s defending champion and top-ranked team, mounted an incredible comeback in just 13 minutes, securing a victory and leaving Egypt in shock.

For the majority of the match in Atlanta, Egypt held control, challenging Argentina from the start. Egypt’s Yasser Ibrahim scored a remarkable headed goal in the 15th minute, putting Argentina on the back foot. Egypt’s defense then tightened, making it nearly impossible for Argentina to find an equalizer.

Argentina faced further setbacks when team captain Lionel Messi missed a penalty kick. Mostafa Ziko added to Egypt’s lead with a goal in the 67th minute, following the disqualification of an earlier Egyptian goal after video review. It seemed Argentina was on the verge of elimination, yet hope remained with the Argentine players.

In the 79th minute, Lionel Messi delivered a precise cross leading to a goal by Cristian Romero. Four minutes later, Messi scored again, surpassing the Egyptian keeper, making it his eighth goal of the tournament, a leading tally. The score was now 2-2.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez’s header clinched another goal for Argentina, completing the comeback. African teams have made waves this World Cup with impressive performances. Morocco remains unbeaten, and Cape Verde, qualifying for the first time, effectively challenged teams like Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.

Egypt reached a historic milestone by advancing this far in the tournament for the first time. Argentina’s win, albeit nerve-racking, brought relief and emotions ran high as players, including Messi, were seen crying after the game’s end. Argentina now progresses to the quarterfinals, facing the winner of the Switzerland-Colombia match.