Argentina Advances to Quarterfinals with Comeback Win; Messi Records 1 Goal and 1 Assist

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In the North and Central American World Cup, defending champion Argentina has advanced to the quarterfinals after a dramatic comeback victory against Egypt. Lionel Messi led the team to victory, recording his 8th goal of the tournament along with an assist.

Reporter Seo Dae-won has the story.

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Defending champion and strong title favorite Argentina fell behind early, conceding the opening goal to Egypt's Ibrahim just 15 minutes into the first half.

In the 21st minute, Messi had a chance to equalize from a penalty kick, but his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.

Having missed his second penalty of the tournament following the group stage match against Austria, Messi faced further frustration in the 31st minute when his sharp left-footed free kick struck the goalpost.

Argentina was pushed to the brink of elimination in the 67th minute, trailing 2-0 after conceding a second goal to Egypt's Zizo. In this moment of dire crisis, it was Messi who came to Argentina's rescue.

In the 79th minute, Messi ignited the comeback by delivering a precise left-footed cross that set up Romero's header. Four minutes later, he scored the equalizer himself.

Amid a scramble in front of the goal, he found the back of the net with a left-footed volley.

With this goal, Messi has scored in all five matches of the tournament, bringing his tally to 8 goals. He has now moved into sole possession of the lead in the Golden Boot race, one goal ahead of Mbappe and Haaland, and extended his record for the most goals in World Cup history to 21.

Buoyed by Messi's performance, Argentina completed the comeback drama with a winning goal from Fernandez during second-half stoppage time.

Turning a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 victory to reach the quarterfinals, Argentina continues its quest for a second consecutive title.

After missing a penalty and suffering from bad luck with the goalpost, Messi, who led the miraculous win with an equalizer and an assist in the second half, could not contain his emotions and shed tears.

[Lionel Messi / Captain of the Argentina National Football Team: We are a team that always fights until the end, always gives everything, and never surrenders or gives up. That is why we have been able to achieve everything we have so far.]

Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals on July 12.

Switzerland advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout.

(Video Editing: Jeon Min-gyu)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.