Egypt’s World Cup Dream Shattered in Stunning Argentina Comeback

With 12 minutes left in regulation, Egypt was 12 minutes away from the greatest victory in its World Cup history. The Pharaohs led Argentina, the reigning world champions, 2-0 in Atlanta. A first-ever quarterfinal berth beckoned. Then it all collapsed in a blur of controversy and heartbreak. Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute, but Egypt still seemed in control. Then, four minutes later, captain Lionel Messi — who else? — equalized. And deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez nodded home the winner, completing a stunning turnaround. But the match will be remembered as much for the fury it sparked. Egypt had a second goal by Mostafa Zico disallowed by VAR after a long review, with midfielder Marwan Attia penalized for a slight step on Lisandro Martinez in the buildup — a call Egypt deemed absurd. Moments before Argentina’s winner, the Egyptians screamed for a penalty when Mohamed Salah was pulled down in the box, but no whistle came. “There is so much inconsistency with VAR,” Egyptian football expert Ahmad Yousef told broadcaster Radio 5 Live. “The foul was so minimal. I completely understand why the coaching staff and squad are so disappointed.” When referee Francois Letexier blew full time, Egypt’s players collapsed to the turf. Salah swapped shirts with former Liverpool teammate Alexis Mac Allister and walked off with his head bowed. Other players stood shaking their heads. A member of Egypt’s backroom staff was shown a red card, and head coach Hossam Hassan was booked. “We have suffered an injustice,” Hassan said afterward. “I am not convinced with this outcome. I am not going to continue following the matches of this World Cup.” Forward Zico echoed the sentiment: “The referee was really unfair. The injustice was clear.” For Egypt, the defeat ends a promising campaign that saw them beat New Zealand in Vancouver on June 22 for their first ever World Cup win. Yasser Ibrahim had headed them into a 15th-minute lead against Argentina, and goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir later saved a Messi penalty. But it wasn’t enough. Salah departs with just one goal in the tournament. He will turn 38 when the 2030 World Cup comes around in Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Whether he returns to the global stage is now an open question.