Defending FIFA World Cup champions Argentina produced a remarkable late comeback on Tuesday, scoring three goals in the final 11 minutes to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 encounter and secure a place in the quarter-finals.

In a match that appeared destined to end Argentina's title defence, the South American giants overturned a two-goal deficit with a breathtaking late surge, leaving Egyptian players and supporters devastated after coming within touching distance of a historic upset.

Egypt stunned the reigning champions in the 15th minute when defender Yasser Ibrahim powered home a header from a well-delivered cross by Marwan Attia to give the Pharaohs an early lead.

Argentina had an opportunity to level matters six minutes later after being awarded a penalty for a handball inside the box. However, captain Lionel Messi failed to convert from the spot as Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a fine save to preserve his side's advantage.

The Egyptians continued to frustrate Argentina and looked firmly in control when Mostafa Ziko doubled their lead in the 67th minute. A swift counter-attacking move involving Haissem Hassan and Mohamed Salah carved open the Argentine defence before Ziko calmly finished past goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.

With Egypt leading 2-0 and just over 20 minutes remaining, an upset of monumental proportions appeared inevitable.

However, Argentina mounted an extraordinary fightback.

Cristian Romero sparked the revival in the 79th minute, rising highest to head home and reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Four minutes later, Messi atoned for his earlier penalty miss with a moment of brilliance. The Argentine captain weaved past defenders before firing a powerful effort into the top corner to restore parity and ignite hopes of a comeback.

As Egypt struggled to recover from the double setback, Argentina continued to press forward in search of a winner.

Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when Lautaro Martínez delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, allowing Enzo Fernández to head home in the 93rd minute and complete one of the most dramatic comebacks in World Cup knockout-stage history.

The victory sends Argentina into the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the clash between Colombia and Switzerland.

Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Egypt earned widespread praise for their spirited performance and impressive tournament campaign, having pushed the world champions to the brink of elimination.

For Argentina, meanwhile, the dramatic comeback keeps alive their dream of retaining the World Cup title and adds another memorable chapter to their rich footballing history.