Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with his 21st tournament goal and the first player to score in six consecutive knockout matches as Argentina overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 in their World Cup round-of-16 tie on Tuesday.
After missing a first-half penalty, Messi turned provider for Cristian Romero's 79th-minute header before equalizing in the 83rd minute. Enzo Fernández then struck the winner in stoppage time, completing three goals in the final 11 minutes. Messi spoke emotionally after the match, describing a sense of relief.
Egypt's camp was left embittered after Mostafa Ziko had a goal disallowed by VAR for a foul committed 17 seconds earlier. Head coach Hossam Hassan accused the referee of bias, while Ziko claimed the tournament was rigged—allegations dismissed by NRK football analyst Kristoffer Løkberg. Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals.