In the first half of the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match held in Atlanta, Egypt stunned reigning champions Argentina by taking the lead and denying multiple scoring opportunities. Yasser Ibrahim scored a header in the 15th minute from a corner delivered by Marwan Attia, marking just his second international goal and putting Egypt ahead.
Argentina's attempts to equalize were thwarted by Egypt's goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, who saved a left-footed penalty shot from Lionel Messi aimed at the bottom right corner. This marked Messi's second penalty miss of the tournament; a successful penalty would have been his eighth goal of the tournament and 21st across six World Cups.
Shobeir continued his impressive performance by denying Mac Allister from a cross by Rodrigo De Paul and making a stunning save on Julian Alvarez’s first-time shot following a close-range cut-back from Nicolas Tagliafico, turning the ball just inches past the post. The goalkeeper required treatment after the latter save.
Egypt's defense frustrated Argentina's efforts, with Messi missing a left-footed shot from the right side of the box that went high and wide. The first half ended with Egypt maintaining their 1-0 lead over the holders.
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