Argentina was staring down the barrel of becoming the first defending champion to exit the tournament at this stage since Italy in 1986 after being stunned by the Pharaohs.

Yasser Ibrahim headed Egypt into a 15th-minute lead before Mostafa Zico, who had seen an earlier goal ruled out by the video assistant referee (VAR), finished past Emiliano Martinez in the 67th minute.

However, Argentina hit back with two goals in the space of four minutes. Cristian Romero headed in Lionel Messi's cross in the 79th minute before the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner thundered the equaliser in off the crossbar.

But there was to be more late drama. After Julian Alvarez sent Lautaro Martinez on his way, he crossed for Enzo Fernandez to head home and complete an incredible comeback.

Scaloni said that he was always confident that his team would find a way to win and keep its world title defence going, with Switzerland now its next opponent after it beat Colombia in a penalty shootout later in the day. 

"I always felt the game was on our side. Beyond the result, I ​don't think the team was playing badly. We had chances," Scaloni said.

"Against Cape Verde it was worse, we really looked in trouble. Today, even when it was 0-2, the feeling was that at some point we ​would get a chance and ​could turn it ⁠around.

"Against Egypt, we played totally different football."

Scaloni also had strong praise for captain Messi, who squandered the chance to get his side level in the 21st minute when his penalty was saved by Mostafa Shobeir.

But he atoned for his miss with a goal and assist, while becoming the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score in six consecutive knockout stage matches.

Messi also netted his record-extending 21st World Cup goal, and now has eight at the tournament this year.

"I'm ​convinced that ⁠he plays football for moments like this. For him to feel these emotions at this stage of his career is hard to explain," Scaloni said of Messi's display.

"It was an unforgettable moment. Whatever ​happens from here on, this team gives me the feeling ​that it never stops believing, even when everything is going against it."

After the full-time whistle, several of the Argentina players, along with Scaloni, were reduced to tears after delivering another seismic display.

"I always get emotional. Sometimes the tears come out," Scaloni said. "The ⁠tears came in the dressing room too. The boys even call me 'the crybaby,' but ​I don't care.

"For all of us who played football for 20 years, to feel what we felt ​today again is incredible.

"I think most coaches who played soccer become coaches because of days like this, because of those emotions, that adrenaline."