Lionel Messi rallied Argentina to a stunning World Cup last-16 turnaround, as the holders recovered from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 on Tuesday. Trailing 2-0 with 11 minutes left, Argentina refused to fold. Cristian Romero pulled one back, Messi levelled, and Enzo Fernandez completed the rescue act with a stoppage-time header to keep the champions’ title defence alive. Egypt had threatened to produce one of the tournament’s greatest shocks. Yasser Ibrahim struck to give the Pharaohs belief, and Mostafa Zico doubled their advantage after the break, capitalising on defensive uncertainty to put Argentina on the brink. Earlier, Messi had squandered a golden chance from the penalty spot, compounding a frustrating evening in which Egypt’s shape and discipline repeatedly stifled Argentina’s creators. At 39 and still the heartbeat of his team, Messi kept probing, drifting into pockets to link play and draw defenders. His missed spot-kick also carried an unwanted slice of history: he became the first player to miss two penalties at a World Cup edition, having also failed to convert against Austria in the group phase. Yet the record World Cup goal-scorer—now on 21—refused to let the narrative end there. The comeback ignited when Romero rose to glance in from close range, igniting belief inside the Argentine ranks. Moments later, Messi arrived in the box to sweep home the equaliser, finally breaking the grip of Egypt’s resolute back line. With momentum surging, Argentina struck again in added time. A swift counter down the right saw Lautaro Martinez deliver a teasing cross to the back post, where Fernandez timed his run to perfection and guided a cushioned header beyond goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir. Shoubir, who had produced several sharp interventions to preserve Egypt’s lead—including a low, left-sided stop to deny Messi—could do little about the decisive finish. Argentina’s bench exploded in relief, while Egypt were left to rue a stirring display that fell just short of the monumental upset. For the reigning champions, it was a reminder of their resilience and depth, anchored by Messi’s relentless influence and Fernandez’s late heroics. The victory books Argentina’s place in the quarter-finals, while Egypt exit with pride after pushing the titleholders to the limit.