In a match that turned tense, Mohamed Salah and the Egyptian team experienced what might have been a triumph over the reigning World Cup champions. Instead, Egypt let slip a two-goal advantage and lost 3-2 to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the round of 16.
The decisive goal, scored two minutes into stoppage time, sparked chaos in front of Egypt’s bench. Goalkeeping coach Saafan Elsaghir was shown a red card and had to be physically restrained from confronting French referee Francois Letexier. Multiple yellow cards were issued for protesting Argentina’s final goal.
“We have been treated unfairly today,” Egypt coach Hossam Hassan claimed. “We have suffered injustice.”
The Egyptian coach raised his arms in an “X,” denoting a claim of racial abuse, and suggested that soccer’s establishment favored Argentina advancing in pursuit of consecutive titles. Allegations swirled over whether external pressures, such as those involving U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA policies, played a role.
Despite the defeat, Hassan noted, “We are leaving with honor, with pride.” He lamented a cancelled goal from a video review showing a foul at the outset of a key play. Egypt led 2-0 thanks to Mostafa Zico’s goal in the 67th minute, yet Argentina mounted a significant comeback.
Cristian Romero’s goal in the 79th minute reignited hopes for Argentina. Messi equalized with a powerful shot four minutes later. Enzo Fernández secured the win in stoppage time, capitalizing on an Egyptian turnover.
The Egyptian Football Association raised concerns about the refereeing, citing issues with VAR decisions that directly impacted the match. Their statement highlighted inconsistencies and fairness concerns.
Even retired NFL star Tom Brady likened Argentina’s comeback to his own Super Bowl victory against the Falcons in 2017. However, Hassan dismissed such comparisons, focusing instead on the unaddressed foul on Salah.
“The effect of this outcome goes way beyond the defeat itself because we haven’t seen neither respect nor fair play,” Hassan emphasized.
After nearing the quarterfinals for the first time, Egypt’s defensive posture could not withstand Argentina’s resurgent attack. The frustration was palpable for Hassan and his squad. “What I told the referee was just that this is unfair,” he stated.
Argentina advanced to face Switzerland. Meanwhile, Hassan expressed his disinterest in further tournament matches, vowing, “I am not going to watch, not a single match of this tournament.”
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