Argentina 3-2 Egypt: Lionel Messi, defending World Cup champs pull off incredible late comeback

Egypt have landed the first big blow, with their first shot of the game (Argentina haven’t had one either). Marwan Ateya curled a high ball to the back post and found Yasser Ibrahim’s forehead for a thunderous header home.

For the second time at this World Cup, Lionel Messi has been denied from the penalty spot, and this one was not even particularly difficult for Mostafa Shobeir. Messi put it at the perfect height and distance for any goalkeeper in the world to make rather easily.

Unbelievable. Egypt sliced through Argentina, from end line to end line, and Mohamed Salah played an inch-perfect pass to Mostafa Ziko, who finished with aplomb. The goal won’t stand, though, because of a foul that occurred more than 100 yards from where the goal was scored, more than 15 seconds earlier.

This is not what anyone had in mind when video review was introduced to the sport.

It was nearly a carbon-copy of the goal that was just ruled out — are we sure this wasn’t a replay? — as Salah receives and carries into the final third before helping it on to Ziko for an emphatic finish. Two goals ahead, and fully deserved.

Cristian Romero. What a man. A center back always happy to say, “Fine, I’ll do it,” when his team desperately needs a goal to pull them back from the brink. Spurs fans know.

Lionel Messi has atoned for his earlier miss from the penalty spot and provided yet another magical moment to a legacy full of them.

Egypt are in real trouble here, fully in the bunker, probably 10 minutes from the full-time whistle.

What have we just witnessed? 14 minutes ago, they were 2-0 down. Now, with three or four minutes of stoppage time to play, they’re 3-2 on top.

This will certainly go down as one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup history. What a moment, what a team.