Defending World Cup champs stay alive with historic comeback win

Lionel Messi scored in a record sixth straight World Cup knockout match to help Argentina reach the quarterfinals after a stunning late comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 in Atlanta.

Egypt were leading the defending champions 2-0 heading into the closing stages before Messi provided an assist for Cristian Romero in the 79th minute and then a goal of his own four minutes later to tie the score.

Just when it seemed that extra time was in the cards, Enzo Fernández headed into the net in the second minute of stoppage time to complete a remarkable turnaround at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

It is the first time in World Cup history that a team has won a knockout match in regulation time after trailing by two goals in the 75th minute.

"This is a phenomenal group that never gives up," Fernández said. "Four years have passed since Qatar, and we've come to enjoy another World Cup -- and we want to win it again. That's what we're aiming for."

Argentina, who are bidding to become the first back-to-back World Cup champions since Brazil in 1958 and 1962, will face either Colombia or Switzerland in the quarterfinals in Kansas City on Saturday.

"I'm so emotional," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. "What a group of players, brother."