Argentina's comeback for the ages sinks brave Egypt
Argentina scored three times in the final 11 minutes to beat Egypt 3-2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and reach the quarter-finals. Trailing 2-0 and with a Messi penalty saved, the champions roared back through Messi's equaliser and Enzo Fernandez's stoppage-time winner in one of the tournament's great escapes.
How it unfolded: Egypt soar, Messi denied, Argentina strike late
Yasser Ibrahim headed Egypt ahead on around 40 minutes, with goalkeeper Mohamed Shobeir saving a Messi penalty and denying Mac Allister and Alvarez. Zico made it 2-0 on 67. Then Cristian Romero headed in a Messi cross on 79, Messi levelled on 83 — his eighth of the finals and a record 21st World Cup goal — and Enzo Fernandez won it in stoppage time.
Context: records and heartbreak
Messi reclaimed his Golden Boot lead and set a record of 21 World Cup goals, his penalty miss redeemed. It was Argentina's second straight knockout comeback after Cape Verde. Egypt exit with pride, Shobeir heroic and Mohamed Salah bowing out of the World Cup a legend.
The next step: Argentina meet Switzerland
Argentina advance to a quarter-final with Switzerland. Our forecast of Argentina to avoid defeat landed, the champions completing a remarkable comeback.
What we predicted before the match
🌍 FIFA World Cup · World
Argentina – Egypt Prediction and Betting Tips
Argentina
WWWWW
vs
12:00
07 Jul · Tue
Egypt
DDWDL
Kick-off: 12:00 local (7 Jul) · 16:00 UTCVenue: Mercedes-Benz StadiumReferee: F. Letexier
Top forecast + 3 supporting tips
4 picks Top Pick
1XArgentina or draw70% confidence
1.16odds
Argentina are heavy favourites with Messi in Golden Boot form, needing only to avoid a 90-minute defeat to reach extra time; the double chance is the measured play against organised Egypt.
Back this tip
Win 164%
Argentina to win
1.34 odds
Total Team 1 Over: 1.558%
Argentina over 1.5 goals
1.54 odds
Total Team 2 Under: 1.556%
Egypt under 1.5 goals
1.09 odds
Argentina meet Egypt at Hard Rock Stadium in a Round of 16 tie between the reigning champions and the Pharaohs. Argentina, under Lionel Scaloni, arrive as strong favourites, Lionel Messi leading the Golden Boot race with seven goals, though Cape Verde gave them a scare before they won in extra time. Egypt come through on penalties against Australia, organised but a step below in quality. Argentina will expect to control; Egypt will look to frustrate. Our forecast favours Argentina to avoid defeat, with a draw heading to extra time.
Mohamed SalahRWLiverpool · 100+ caps · 55 G · Captain
Omar MarmoushSTMan City · 30+ caps · 12 G
Mostafa MohamedSTNantes · 30+ caps
Mohamed ElnenyCMAl-Jazira · 100+ caps
Injuries
Argentina
None reported
Egypt
None reported
Venue · Context
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Capacity: 71,000
Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a roof that is expected to close against Georgia heat and humidity, giving fast, dry, climate-controlled conditions.
Argentina
3–2
Egypt
