Argentina recovered from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic World Cup last-16 tie, advancing to the quarter-finals despite contentious VAR decisions that left the African side furious and sparked widespread debate about officiating consistency.
Egypt stunned the defending champions with a spirited display. Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring with a header in the 15th minute, and though Mostafa Shobeir saved a Lionel Messi penalty five minutes later—the Argentine captain’s second miss from the spot this tournament—the Pharaohs appeared set for a famous victory when Ziko converted Haissem Hassan’s delivery shortly after the hour mark. Ziko had earlier seen a goal disallowed following a lengthy VAR review for a foul in the buildup, during which he received a yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration. Messi also struck the woodwork from a free-kick as Lionel Scaloni’s side trailed 2-0 entering the final ten minutes.
The comeback began when Messi recorded his ninth World Cup assist with a pinpoint cross for Cristian Romero to head home in the 80th minute. Four minutes later, the captain levelled with a powerful strike to extend his record of scoring in consecutive games to nine. Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround in the 92nd minute with a header that secured Argentina’s place in the last eight, though Egypt were incensed that the winner stood after having a penalty appeal rejected at the other end moments earlier.
The disparity in VAR usage drew heavy criticism from supporters. One observer argued that a similar incident “wouldn’t have been given against a Messi team,” while another noted that VAR is designed to correct “clear and obvious mistakes,” suggesting that “the only thing here clear and obvious is” Egypt were denied fair treatment. Further reaction highlighted Egypt’s failure to maintain their attacking threat against a vulnerable defence after establishing their two-goal cushion.
Former Bundesliga players Nicolas Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush appeared as late substitutes. Argentina will face the winners of the Colombia versus Switzerland tie in the quarter-finals, while Egypt exit the tournament despite demonstrating their capacity to trouble elite opposition.