Argentina have pulled off a thrilling comeback against Egypt in the battle for the penultimate spot in the World Cup quarter-finals as Lionel Messi put his latest penalty anguish behind him with a late leveller.
Superstars Messi and Mohamed Salah headlined the build-up to this game, the Pharaohs grabbed a shock lead against the defending champions when a stunning header from Yasser Ibrahim sailed past Emi Martinez.
Haissem Hassan brought down Nico Tagliafico to gift the Albiceleste a chance to equalise. But Messi, having missed from the spot against Austria, grabbed the ball, was denied again with Mostafa Shobeir diving well to his left to make the stop.
Messi then curled a fine free-kick from distance that cracked the post with Egypt clinging on to their lead. Lionel Scaloni’s side were almost two down after a sublime move saw Salah set up Zico, but a foul in the build-up was spotted by VAR to keep the score at 0-1. But Egypt did make it two moments later, Salah leading the counter-attack and setting up Zico for a clinical move.
Cristian Romero pulled one back with a bullet header, then Messi smashed a second to pull the champions level. Follow all of the latest from Atlanta with our World Cup live blog below:
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Argentina vs Egypt LIVE
- Argentina face Egypt in World Cup round of 16 | Live on ITV
- 68' GOAL! Salah links with Zico for stunning second [ARG 0-2 EGY]
- 58' DISALLOWED! Zico's sublime goal ruled out by VAR [ARG 0-1 EGY]
- 20' SAVED! Messi denied from spot for second time this World Cup! [ARG 0-1 EGY]
- 15' GOAL! Ibrahim header puts Pharaohs ahead [ARG 0-1 EGY]
- Defending champions survived scare against Cape Verde to set up this clash
- Egypt prevailed on penalties against Australia
- Lionel Messi chasing more World Cup success having scored in last eight tournament games
GOAL! Argentina 2-2 Egypt (Messi, 83')
18:49 , Chris Wilson83 mins
GOAL! Messi has found the equaliser!
There’s some pinball in the box as the ball to the back post comes back into the middle. Martinez manages to knock it back into the path of Messi and he blasts a half-volley towards goal, with Shobeir only able to push it off the bar and into the net!
Argentina 1-2 Egypt
18:46 , Chris Wilson82 mins
CLOSE!
Shobeir punches away Messi’s corner but the holders come again.
Messi beats two men with a mazy dribble in the box and cuts it back to Lautaro Martinez, who can only direct his header wide from a few yards!
GOAL! Argentina 1-2 Egypt (Romero, 79')
18:44 , Chris Wilson79 mins
Argentina have a lifeline!
Cristian Romero has got them back into it, powering a header in from close range!
It’s too close - and quick – for Shobeir to react and he can only help it into his own net.
Game on in Atlanta!
Argentina 0-2 Egypt
18:42 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Mac Allister clips a ball into the box but Messi’s volley is blocked. Argentina are getting desperate now!
Egypt on the brink of producing all-time great upset
18:42 , Miguel Delaney in AtlantaWe really are set for one of the most shocking actual World Cup knock-outs. Most of the great upsets have come in the group stage.
Argentina 0-2 Egypt
18:41 , Chris Wilson76 mins
CLOSE! A real opening for Egypt as the ball is slid in to Trezeguet, but the pass is a little overhit and runs past him.
He cuts it back in the box but he can only fire it against the side-netting!
Argentina 0-2 Egypt
18:40 , Chris Wilson73 mins
Back underway in Atlanta. Argentina have a chance straight away as an effort from inside the box is blocked well.
Molina has come on for Montiel for the Albiceleste.
Egypt handed justice against Argentina to secure deserved two-goal lead
18:38 , Miguel Delaney in AtlantaJustice is done! Egypt get the goal they deserve, after the absurd cancellation of a strike minutes before. And another brilliant breakaway goal, so exposing Argentina's lack of pace.
There is a lot of colour and history swirling about here, too. Mustapha Zico, the scorer, was named after the great Brazilian. And it was Zico who scored the goal that ended Argentina's first defence in 1982, scoring the key first goal in a 3-1 win.
Argentina 0-2 Egypt
18:35 , Chris Wilson69 mins
Argentina have it all to do now! We’re into the second hydration break.
GOAL! Argentina 0-2 Egypt (Zico, 68')
18:33 , Chris Wilson68 mins
GOAL! This one will count!
Egypt have their second and it’s another great goal on the counter!
Salah leads the charge, driving away from the defenders before sliding it – with a slice of fortune – into the path of Hassan.
The winger beats his man into the box and cuts back an inch-perfect pass to Zico, who blasts in a first-time finish past a helpless Martinez!
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
18:31 , Chris Wilson65 mins
Argentina are rallying now. Maybe that goal served as a wake-up call.
De Paul clips in a ball to the box and it’s put behind for a corner as Argentina make two changes. Nico Gonzalez and Lautaro Martinez are on for Tagliafico and De Paul.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
18:29 , Chris Wilson64 mins
The resulting free-kick was headed wide by Argentina, in what would have been a cruel blow to Egypt.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Argentina 0-1 Egypt
18:25 , Chris WilsonIt’s been overruled! So cruel on Egypt!
There was indeed a foul on Martinez a short while before the goal, and Argentina have got away with one.
It was a superb run from Hassan to create the goal, dribbling from near his own area before setting up Salah, who slid it into the path of Zico, who beat the onrushing Martinez to it and blasted past him for 2-0!
GOAL! Argentina 0-2 Egypt (Zico)
18:23 , Chris Wilson58 mins
GOAL! Oh my word, Egypt have a second!
Or do they...it’s being reviewed for a foul on Martinez in the build up...
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
18:20 , Chris Wilson55 mins
The rest doesn’t last long though! Messi skips away from Hafez on the right and he has a free-kick around 30 yards out...
Argentina play it short though and it’s a complete waste as they’re forced backwards before Messi runs out of space on the edge of the box as he tries to take matters into his own hands.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
18:18 , Chris Wilson53 mins
The free-kick is punched away by Shobeir but Argentina come again.
De Paul, Messi, Fernandez, Messi again...it’s all a little pedestrian.
Messi is tackled near the edge of the Egypt box and the Pharaohs can enjoy a little rest now.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
18:16 , Chris Wilson50 mins
Argentina are seeing plenty of the ball as the second half gets underway, though once again it’s more probing than anything else.
Egypt think they have a golden counter-attacking opportunity as Salah nips in to the win the ball near halfway, but he’s penalised for a foul!
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
18:12 , Chris Wilson47 mins
A chance right away for Egypt as Messi gets a bit of space outside the box and lays it off to De Paul, who fires a tame effort straight at Shobeir.
KICK-OFF! Argentina 0-1 Egypt
18:11 , Chris WilsonBack underway in Atlanta!
HALF-TIME! Argentina 0-1 Egypt
18:04 , Chris WilsonIt’s been an intriguing game in Atlanta, and not just because of the scoreline, even if that does help!
Argentina have not necessarily played badly but they find themselves behind after a missed penalty and an inspired performance from Shobeir so far.
Egypt have been a threat but they’ve been pushed back since scoring, and it felt for a while like only a matter of time before the holder equalised.
However, the Pharaohs have held on this long, so can they do the same again in the second half? We’re about to find out.
Argentina fans bring the noise to World Cup last 16 clash in Atlanta
18:04 , Miguel Delaney in AtlantaHALF-TIME! Argentina 0-1 Egypt
18:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s the full array of pics from that superb Shobeir save as well.
Lionel Scaloni had his hands on his head in disbelief!
HALF-TIME! Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:57 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:54 , Chris Wilson45 +6 mins
Messi sends a desperate ball forward towards Mac Allister but Shobeir collects and that is that!
The referee blows the whistle for half-time and Argentina go into the break 1-0 down to Egypt!
Egyptian goalkeeper in inspired form against Messi and Argentina
17:53 , Miguel Delaney in AtlantaThe hero so far, Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, is the son of the goalkeeper who played in 1990. One of those notorious games, a 0-0 against Ireland where Eamon Dunphy declared himself "ashamed" of the performance and infamously threw a pen in the TV studio, has also been influential in football history.
Ahmed Shobeir was booked for repeatedly time-wasting in that game, and his antics were said to have prompted the introduction of the backpass rule.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:52 , Chris Wilson45 +5 mins
An offside flag goes up against Tagliafico and that could be that.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:51 , Chris Wilson45 +4 mins
Rabia is back up and okay to carry on. Egypt have their forst foray forward in a long time, but it ends with a tame Hassan cross going nowhere near a teammate.
The Pharaohs are in no rush to commit men forward at this point.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:50 , Chris Wilson45 +2 mins
Into the first minute of five added on.
De Paul is the latest to clip a somewhat hopeful ball into the Egypt box, but it’s cleared.
We’ll have a break in play here as Rabia stayed down after a nasty fall.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:47 , Chris Wilson44 mins
A Messi free-kick from deep is collected well by Shobeir. Egypt are hanging on to get into half-time ahead, but Salah does well to win a free-kick of his own as Romero slides in recklessly.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:45 , Chris Wilson42 mins
Argentina are starting to turn the screw here, and Egypt can barely get out of their own half.
Alvarez is the latest to take a pop from distance, but this one is off-target.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:43 , Chris Wilson40 mins
Argentina can’t make anything from the corner as Messi’s cross is flicked on at the near post but not met by a teammate at the far one.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:42 , Chris Wilson38 mins
SAVE!
Argentina are just probing at the moment, though the problem for Egypt is that you can never get comfortable against this opponent.
And they’ve just shown exactly why! Tagliafico gets in down the left again and cuts it back to Alvarez, who fires in a low effort that Shobeir does brilliantly to get down to, pushing it away past the far post.
That really is a superb save!
Argentina lacking pace to free Lionel Messi
17:42 , Miguel Delaney in AtlantaMessi... is having a bit of a nightmare. He's just been beaten to a ball in the middle of the pitch. Egypt, who are relatively limited themselves, are exposing issues. Argentina have little pace and the midfield is so compact, to protect and free Messi.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:39 , Chris Wilson35 mins
10 minutes or so until half-time and Egypt might have to dig deep to get to the break still ahead. They’re happy to put nine men behind the ball even now.
Argentina respond despite Messi setback in Atlanta
17:37 , Miguel Delaney in AtlantaArgentina have upped it, and Egypt already beginning to buckle slightly. This is going to be a psychological test, too.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:37 , Chris Wilson33 mins
The camera flashes to the likes of Javier Zanetti and Sergio Aguero looking displeased in the stands.
Argentina haven’t necessarily played badly, but they find themselves behind and Egypt have looked threatening at times since scoring too.
Not now though, as Rabia wins possession near the middle of the park before blasting a wild effort miles wide.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:34 , Chris Wilson30 mins
OFF THE POST!
Argentina win a free-kick around 30 yards out as Messi looks to make amends...
...and he almost does too! He curls it over the wall and it bounces back off the post. The ‘keeper probably had it covered though.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:31 , Chris Wilson27 mins
Back underway in Atlanta with Argentina chasing the game! Plenty to do for Messi and co.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:29 , Chris Wilson24 mins
Into the first hydration break of the day.
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:27 , Chris Wilson22 mins
That is the eighth World Cup penalty Messi has taken, and the fourth he’s missed!
The Argentine has also today equalled the record for World Cup knockout matches played in – he’s now alongside Miroslav Klose on 14.
PENALTY SAVED! Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:24 , Chris Wilson20 mins
SAVED! Shobeir is equal to it!
Messi steps up but he can only side-foot a fairly tame penalty at an easy height for the ‘keeper!
Messi stunned from the spot again in Argentina setback
17:23 , Miguel Delaney in AtlantaA poor penalty from Messi, again. It really is incredible. It will never cease to amaze how Messi could really put the ball anywhere he wants in any given situation and somehow repeatedly misses penalties.
PENALTY TO ARGENTINA! Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:23 , Chris Wilson19 mins
PENALTY! Argentina have a route back into it!
Messi slides an inch-perfect pass through to Tagliafico in the box. He’s challenged by Hassan but he is late and clips the full-back, and the referee points straight to the spot!
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
17:21 , Chris Wilson17 mins
Almost another chance for Argentina as Salah is clipped near the edge of the area, but the referee waves away the claims for a free-kick.
Is a shock on the cards in Argentina v Egypt?
17:18 , Miguel Delaney in AtlantaIs a shock on the cards?! Argentina have gone behind for the first time in the tournament, as they face another battle now, this time against Egypt. After another laboured start to the game, Yasser Ibrahim rises above Lisandro Martinez to head in.
GOAL! Argentina 0-1 Egypt (ibrahim, 15')
17:17 , Chris Wilson15 mins
GOAL! Egypt are ahead!
It’s a great goal too, with the ball swung in from deep on the right and Yasser Ibrahim rising highest at the back post to power a perfect header into the far corner!
Game on!
Argentina 0-0 Egypt
17:14 , Chris Wilson10 mins
Quite an exceptional miss from Enzo Fernandez here but his blushes are spared by the offside flag!
De Paul is sent in behind the Egypt defence and cuts it back to his midfield partner, but he can’t sort his feet out in time and side-foots wide from three yards!
Argentina 0-0 Egypt
17:10 , Chris Wilson7 mins
The first-half chance of the game sees the cross from the free-kick come in towards the back post, but it’s headed away well.
Miguel Delaney on watching Lionel Messi once again on football's biggest stage
17:09 , Miguel Delaney in AtlantaThis is the 43rd time I've seen Leo Messi live. Yes, I have counted. There is a sense you are watching football history, of course.
I guess I didn't expect it to be so extended after 2022, but his form illustrates it's as much a privilege as ever.
Argentina 0-0 Egypt
17:09 , Chris Wilson6 mins
Egypt are beginning to enjoy some possession now as they look to get into an early rhythm.
Hassan takes a run at Tagliafico down the right and wins a free-kick in a dangerous position.
Argentina 0-0 Egypt
17:07 , Chris Wilson4 mins
Salah’s first real involvement sees him win a free-kick in his own half to ease some early pressure.
Argentina 0-0 Egypt
17:04 , Chris Wilson2 mins
A long ball forward catches out Ibrahim but Alvarez can’t capitalise.
Plenty of possession for the holders already.
KICK-OFF! Argentina 0-0 Egypt
17:02 , Luke BakerAnd we’re underway! This could be a fun one
Argentina v Egypt team news
17:01 , Luke BakerA reminder of how the sides are lining up, with kick-off imminent
Argentina XI: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, Alvarez
Egypt XI: Shobeir; Hany, Hafez, Ibrahim, Rabia; Ashour, Lasheen, Ateya, Ziko; Salah, Hassan
Argentina vs Egypt
17:03 , Miguel Delaney in AtlantaOne notable thing about the game in Atlanta today. There is a LOT of preaching outside the stadium - from almost every Christian faith.
There some dressed up in referee kits (albeit American umpire style) handing out "yellow cards", that had some religious scripture on them. Some signs spoke about false idols etc.
Not sure the Argentina fans were too interested in any of that. They've already been touched by the Hand of God
Argentina fans mock England in pre-match song before Egypt tie
16:57 , Jack RathbornArgentina fans singing ‘El que no salta es Ingles” pic.twitter.com/kmB1G3B7YU
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) July 7, 2026
Argentina fans heavily outnumber Egypt in Atlanta
16:55 , Miguel Delaney in AtlantaThe crowd at the Mercedes-Benz is almost 100 per cent Argentine, and they are making their voice heard in the way only they can.
Their travelling support has been among the great stories of the last four World Cups, and it's similar here.
There has of course been one conspicuous song ahead of a prospective semi-final with England: "He who doesn't jump is English"
Argentina vs Egypt
16:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s a first game of the tournament in Atlanta for both of these two teams, though the winner could be back here for a semi-final in eight days’ time. Remember, it’ll be Colombia or Switzerland in the last eight – an all South American clash could be fun after a tense Copa America final a couple of years back, though that is definitely getting ahead of ourselves.
What twists and turns do we have in store today? Kick off is 10 minutes away.
A chance to make a statement?
16:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleYou wouldn’t necessarily say that any of the remaining World Cup contenders have really produced a statement performance in the round of 16. Morocco were very good against a limited Canada side; England impressed with their fight and fervour against Mexico; France kept their cool in the face of Paraguay’s approach; and Belgium put away the USA impressively last night – but the chance to declare ones intentions and really catch the eye is available to Argentina or Egypt here.
Argentina vs Egypt
16:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis is only the second recorded meeting between these two sides, with a friendly win for Argentina in Cairo in 2008 now a distant memory. Lionel Messi, if you are wondering, wasn’t involved that day – Sergio Aguero started up front and scored the opener in a 2-0 victory.
Egypt’s lack of World Cup success has always been slightly curious given the trophies they’ve won at the Africa Cup of Nations. This feels a massive day for them – Cape Verde showed that you can both frustrate and trouble the defending champions.
Egypt boss insists his team are 'no underdogs'
16:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleHossam Hassan has drawn on the long and rich history of Egyptian civilization (sure) in insisting that his side are not underdogs against Argentina.
“My dreams have no limits. My ambitions have no limits. I promise that we will do everything to live up to the expectations (of fans),” Egypt boss Hassan said. “We’re no underdogs. We’re big in every respect. We are a civilization that is 7,000 years old, even more than 7,000 years.
“We know we are playing against the World Cup holders and one of the greatest players ever (Messi), but we do not fear them.
"We have a responsibility towards Egypt and the Arab world and Africa. We represent all of them. That responsibility makes us focus on ourselves and on what we can produce on the field.”
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Mbappe v Messi v Haaland standings as Kane joins thrilling race to finish top scorer
16:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe chase for the Golden Boot is hotting up – here are the latest tournament standings:
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Mbappe v Messi v Haaland standings as Kane joins race
‘I was at Mexico ‘86 – you could sense the history’: Meet the photographer who took most-liked Instagram photo ever
16:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleRemember that photo of Lionel Messi basking in World Cup glory following the final of the 2022 World Cup? Kieran Jackson went to meet the snapper who took it.
Meet the World Cup photographer who took the most-liked Instagram photo ever
Team news – Egypt
15:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleIn a bit of shock, Omar Marmoush is dropped to the bench by Egypt.
Egypt XI: Shobeir; Hany, Hafez, Ibrahim, Rabia; Ashour, Lasheen, Ateya, Ziko; Salah, Hassan.
Team news – Argentina
15:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt looks like a switch of system from Argentina, with Julian Alvarez in alongside Lionel Messi up top and Leandro Paredes into midfield.
Argentina XI: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, Alvarez.
Team news on the way...
15:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe should have team news in Atlanta shortly. Will Lionel Scaloni consider bringing in Julian Alvarez to his forward line?
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo? The debate was always absurd
15:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleWas there ever really a debate over Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo? Miguel Delaney doesn’t think so:
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo? The debate was always absurd
How Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Martinez and Portugal became the World Cup’s biggest disappointment
15:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleElsewhere yesterday, it was the end of the World Cup story for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal – Richard Jolly explains how Roberto Martinez’s mismanagement of the nation’s leading scorer was largely to blame for a disappointing tournament.
How Ronaldo, Martinez and Portugal became the World Cup’s biggest disappointment
Belgium mock Donald Trump after knocking USA out of World Cup: ‘Overturn this’
15:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleBelgium seemed to enjoy their win over the USA – they are dancing on to Los Angeles for a meeting with Spain, and mocking Donald Trump on the way.
Belgium mock Trump after knocking USA out of World Cup: ‘Overturn this’
Gianni Infantino’s Trumpification of Fifa will have repercussions well beyond this stained World Cup
15:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleOf course, the wrong players getting sponsors’ prizes is hardly the most pressing issue of this World Cup. Events involving the White House, Donald Trump and the USA are rather more concerning. Miguel Delaney examines a sorry situation.
Gianni Infantino’s Trumpification of the World Cup only leads to one thing
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham: How Fifa’s bewildering World Cup award has distorted reality
14:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleYou may have noticed that a lot of big names appear to be picking up player of the match gongs at this World Cup. Alan Smith explains why – and why it is a problem:
How Fifa’s bewildering World Cup award has distorted football reality
The Mat Ryan gamble that failed spectacularly as Egypt beat Australia on penalties
14:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleArgentina may have needed extra time to get past Cape Verde, but Egypt went the distance against Australia, just about coming through a pretty tense penalty shootout as a Socceroos gamble backfired:
The Mat Ryan gamble that failed spectacularly as Egypt beat Australia on penalties
Lionel Messi explains how Argentina must improve after surviving Cape Verde shock
14:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleLionel Messi was pretty strong on Argentina’s performance against Cape Verde, which fell short of the high standards they had set leading up to that stage.
Lionel Messi explains how Argentina must improve after surviving Cape Verde shock
How Argentina got here
14:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was a nervy night for Argentina as Cape Verde threatened to pull off perhaps the biggest shock in World Cup history. What a credit the debutants were to their nation and the tournament – but the defending champions just about survived.
How Cape Verde immortalised themselves in valiant World Cup exit to Argentina
Argentina vs Egypt
14:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe quarter-final line-up is taking shape as the contenders are whittled down – who will fill the final two spots?
World Cup 2026: Quarter-final fixtures, results and full tournament bracket
Argentina v Egypt LIVE
11:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere are just two places to be filled in the World Cup quarter-finals, with Argentina and Egypt set to battle for one of them tonight in Atlanta. Each spearheaded by an ageing, left-footed and remarkable forward, the two sides overcame tense ties in the round of 32 to set up this encounter – will it be Lionel Messi or Mohamed Salah who continues on?
Kick off is at 5pm BST.
