Lionel Messi led a stunning late fightback as Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 to reach the World Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday, the reigning champion?recovering from a two-goal deficit to escape a monumental upset.

Egypt looked poised to score a famous victory at Atlanta¡¯s Mercedes-Benz Stadium after goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico left it 2-0 up with just 11 minutes of normal time remaining.

But Cristian Romero¡¯s 79th-minute header from a pinpoint Messi cross gave the defending champion?a lifeline at 2-1.