Lead

Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 and secure their place in the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday. Trailing 2-0 with 15 minutes remaining, the defending champions scored three times, including a stoppage-time winner from Enzo Fernandez, to keep their title defence alive.

The match, played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, saw Egypt take a surprise early lead through Yasser Ibrahim in the 15th minute. Argentina captain Lionel Messi missed a penalty shortly after, his spot-kick saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. Egypt then doubled their advantage mid-way through the second half through Mostafa Ziko, leaving Argentina on the brink of elimination.

Coverage comparison

Reports from the Buenos Aires Times and Dawn emphasised Messi's role in the comeback, framing the match around his refusal to give up and his emotional reaction at the final whistle. France 24 and RFI, while also noting Messi's penalty miss, focused more on the team's collective determination and Fernandez's decisive late goal.

The comeback began 11 minutes from time when Messi's cross set up Cristian Romero to head past Shobeir. Four minutes later, Messi atoned for his earlier miss by smashing the ball into the net to level the tie. Two minutes into stoppage time, Fernandez headed in the winner to complete the turnaround.

Key claims

  • Argentina came back from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2, with goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and Enzo Fernandez.
  • Lionel Messi missed a penalty in the first half, saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
  • Argentina are bidding to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
  • After the match, Messi said his tears were "a release" and described the comeback as "a moment of pure happiness and relief."
  • Argentina will face the winners of the Colombia-Switzerland match in the quarter-finals; subsequent reporting indicated they will play Switzerland.

Perspectives

Lionel Messi (Argentina captain): Messi acknowledged that scoring the penalty would have changed the dynamic of the match but emphasised the team's character in fighting back. He said the squad "deserved to keep fighting" and described the win as a relief.

Enzo Fernandez (Argentina midfielder): Fernandez called the team "a phenomenal group that never gives up" and said they want to win the World Cup again, four years after their triumph in Qatar.

Lionel Scaloni (Argentina coach): Scaloni expressed his emotion after the win, praising the group of players.