Egypt led Argentina 2-0 for nearly 80 minutes, but Lionel Messi proved inevitable.

Egypt's counterattacking football rendered Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni's tactical approach ineffective, scoring in both halves despite having less possession and taking significantly fewer shots.

Center back Yasser Ibrahim scored the opening goal in the 15th minute, firing home from Egypt's short-corner routine.

Egypt's second goal came from Pyramids FC forward Mostafa Ziko in the 67th minute. Ziko found the back of the net from a counterattack moments earlier, but his goal was disallowed by VAR after an apparent foul on Argentina's Lisandro Martinez in the buildup.

Tension filled the field as the game progressed, with the Argentinians looking for any way to gain the upper hand.

Lionel Messi produced the moment of quality that La Albiceleste desperately needed in the 79th minute, delivering a cross for Tottenham center back Cristian Romero to head past the goalkeeper.

Messi scored the equalizer, dispelling doubts surrounding Argentina's performance. River Plate defender Gonzalo Montiel exploited the gap in Egypt's defensive line and sent in a cross to tee up Messi for a first-time finish.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández scored the winner in the 92nd minute off Lautaro Martinez's cross.

Despite missing what would have been the game-tying penalty earlier in the match, Argentina's No. 10 led the comeback to eliminate the Pharaohs from the World Cup.

Messi now holds the World Cup assist record with nine, surpassing predecessor Diego Maradona's mark of eight.

Argentina advanced to the quarterfinals.