Enzo Fernández headed a stoppage-time winner as defending champions Argentina completed one of the great World Cup comebacks, recovering from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 in the last 16 in Atlanta.
Egypt, appearing in the knockout stages for the first time in their history, came agonisingly close to a famous upset before Argentina struck three times in the closing stages.
The underdogs made a dream start at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Yasser Ibrahim rising to head them in front in the 15th minute from a Marwan Attia corner.
Argentina had the chance to respond quickly but Lionel Messi saw his 21st-minute penalty saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, keeping the underdogs ahead at the break.
Egypt thought they had doubled their lead in the 58th minute when Mostafa Zico found the net, only for VAR to rule the effort out.
There was no reprieve for Argentina soon after, as Zico struck again in the 67th minute, capping a swift counter-attack involving Mohamed Salah to put Egypt 2-0 up.
The defending champions finally stirred with 11 minutes left. Cristian Romero powered in a header in the 79th minute to halve the deficit and reignite Argentina’s hopes.
Four minutes later the tie was level, Messi sweeping home in the 83rd minute for his eighth goal of the tournament and continuing his run of scoring in consecutive World Cup matches.
Egypt very nearly hit back on the break, but Leandro Paredes produced a crucial last-man sliding block in the first minute of stoppage time to snuff out a dangerous 4-on-3 counter.
Moments later Argentina found their winner, Fernández heading in during the 90+2 minute to complete the turnaround and spark scenes of relief among Lionel Scaloni’s side.
The finish descended into chaos as Egypt protested a possible foul or handball by Alexis Mac Allister in the buildup. Shobeir was booked for his complaints and an Egyptian staff member was shown a red card.
The result sends Argentina through to the quarter-finals, where they will meet the winner of Switzerland’s last-16 tie with Colombia.
For Egypt, the defeat brings a courageous and historic tournament to a cruel end, their maiden knockout campaign undone in the final act.
Argentina, meanwhile, live to fight another day, their title defence surviving a night that looked destined to unravel until Fernández intervened.
