Holders Argentina staged one of the most dramatic comebacks in World Cup history to beat Egypt, scoring three goals in 14 minutes after trailing 2-0 with under 20 minutes left. The victory, secured at Atlanta Stadium, reduced captain Lionel Messi to tears of relief and added yet another remarkable chapter to the 39-year-old's storied World Cup career, keeping Argentina's title defence alive and avoiding what would have been a major tournament shock.

Egypt had led through goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico, with goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir in inspired form, even saving a first-half Messi penalty. But Messi turned the game around, crossing for Cristiano Romero to head in before scoring himself, and Enzo Fernandez completed the recovery with a stoppage-time header. Messi became the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup knockout games and now has eight goals in the tournament. Argentina advance to a quarter-final against Switzerland or Colombia, remaining a potential obstacle for England's own hopes of reaching a first final since 1966.