Fernández goal seals comeback as Argentina beat Egypt 3-2 at World Cup

Enzo Fernández's dramatic late goal secured Argentina a 3-2 victory over Egypt in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, propelling the Albiceleste into the next stage of the tournament. The Chelsea midfielder's strike in the 93rd minute completed a remarkable comeback after Argentina had trailed 2-0.

Fernández emphasized the squad's unwavering spirit, declaring, "We have a phenomenal group, a group that never gives up despite the difficulties, despite the adversities. We are always together." His goal, which came after Cristian 'Cuti' Romero's 79th-minute header and Lionel Messi's 84th-minute equalizer, sent the Argentine fans into a frenzy.

Reflecting on his long-awaited goal, Fernández expressed his gratitude, stating, "I had been longing for the goal for about 3 years, after the Qatar World Cup. I thank God for allowing me to live these moments, I am privileged." He also acknowledged the fans' unwavering support throughout the match.

When asked if the win marked a turning point in Argentina's quest for a second consecutive World Cup title, Fernández downplayed the significance, calling it "just one more step." He noted that "four years have passed" since their 2022 triumph in Qatar and that "in the end, football forgets what happened before." He stressed the team's "quality" and the importance of capitalizing on "spaces" and "gaps" in the opponent's defense.

Messi's goal, his eighth of the tournament, places him as the competition's top scorer. The victory sets Argentina on a path to potentially defend their title, with Fernández's late heroics adding another chapter to the nation's World Cup history.