World Cup: Messi inspires Argentina's comeback win against Egypt

Holders Argentina progressed to the quarter-final after yet another 3-2 win over an African side.

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Lionel Messi inspired Argentina's late win over Egypt with a goal and an assist. The defending champions were 2-0 down until ten minutes before the end of regular time, but they dug deep to win it without a need for extra-time.

Egypt have been dangerous from aerial balls all tournament, and they took the lead through Yasser Ibrahim's header in the 15th minute. Five minutes later, Mostafa Shobeir saved Lionel Messi's penalty-kick as the all-time top-scorer became the first player to miss from the spot twice in the same tournament.

Messi also hit the woodwork from a free-kick, while Shobeir managed to make some decent saves as Egypt held on to their shocking lead at the break. Ziko thought he doubled their advantage around the hour mark, but the well-worked goal was cancelled after a lengthy VAR check for a foul in the buildup.

The 29-year-old striker saw a yellow card for taking his shirt off in celebration, but he wasn't going to be denied ten minutes later when he converted Haissem Hassan's delivery. Messi and co stepped up a gear in the last ten minutes, although the Pharaohs were still trying to create chances from counterattacks.

First, Messi recorded his ninth World Cup assist with a pinpoint cross for Cristian Romero's strike. Four minutes later, he extended his record of scoring in consecutive games to nine with a powerful shot to level matters. 

Lionel Scaloni's side secured their quarter-final ticket with Enzo Fernandez's header in the 92nd minute. As they already felt hard done by the officiating, Egypt were furious that the winning goal stood when they had a penalty-kick appeal prior to the incident.

Former Bundesliga players Nicolas Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush played as substitutes at either end. Argentina will face the winners of the game between Colombia and Switzerland in the last quarter-final tie.