ATLANTA (AP) — Argentina produced another unforgettable World Cup performance, overturning a two goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3–2 on Tuesday and secure a place in the quarterfinals.Trailing 2–0 with just 11 minutes of regulation remaining, the defending champions mounted a remarkable comeback, demonstrating the resilience and determination that have become hallmarks of the team.

“We have a phenomenal group that never gives up, regardless of the challenges or adversity we face. We always stand together,” said Enzo Fernandez, who scored the decisive goal in stoppage time.

Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri.For much of the match, it appeared that Lionel Messi’s World Cup journey might come to a disappointing end. The 39-year-old captain, potentially competing in the final World Cup of his career, watched as Egypt built a commanding lead through goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico. Egypt also had another goal ruled out following a video review.Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first nation since Brazil (1958 and 1962) to win consecutive World Cup titles appeared to be slipping away.However, the defending champions responded with an extraordinary comeback.

“The spirit of Argentinians always drives us forward. No matter the circumstances, we continue fighting until the very end,” striker Julian Alvarez said. “At 2–0, we looked beaten, and time was running out, but we always find something extra by refusing to give up.”

Cristian Romero ignited the comeback with a header in the 79th minute. Messi equalized in the 83rd minute with his eighth goal of the tournament and a record-extending 21st World Cup goal. Fernandez then completed the dramatic turnaround with the winning goal during stoppage time.

“Four years have passed since Qatar, and we’ve come back to enjoy another World Cup. We want to win it again—that’s our objective,” Fernandez said.

Argentina has built a reputation for producing memorable World Cup moments. Among them are the 3–2 victory over West Germany in the 1986 final and the dramatic 3–3 draw with France before prevailing in a penalty shootout to reclaim the title four years ago.The defending champions had already survived a difficult challenge against Cape Verde in the previous round, eventually winning 3–2 after extra time.Tuesday’s encounter proved even more dramatic. Messi missed a first-half penalty and later struck the post before playing a pivotal role in Argentina’s comeback.

“I’m overwhelmed with emotion,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “What an incredible group of players.”

Egypt took the lead in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim rose above Lisandro Martinez to head Marwan Attia’s cross into the bottom corner.Argentina was awarded a penalty moments later after Haissem Hassan fouled Nicolas Tagliafico inside the area. Referee François Letexier pointed to the spot, but Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir denied Messi with an outstanding save.Later in the first half, Messi struck the post, and Shobeir produced another excellent save to keep out Julian Alvarez from close range.Egypt believed it had doubled its advantage early in the second half when Mostafa Zico finished a flowing team move, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review that identified a foul earlier in the build up.Zico eventually scored a second goal for Egypt in the 67th minute following another swift counterattack, restoring the two-goal advantage. However, Argentina’s late resurgence ultimately proved decisive.

“We performed better than the reigning champions in almost every aspect of the game—except the result,” Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said.

Hassan added that he would not watch the remainder of the tournament, insisting his side should have been awarded a penalty before Argentina scored the winning goal.

“I’m not convinced by this outcome or by the way this match unfolded,” Hassan said. “I won’t try to soften my words with polite expressions or say it was simply bad luck.

“We were treated unfairly today. We suffered an injustice.”