Argentina survived a major scare before scoring three late goals to snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt on Tuesday and book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Enzo Fernandez headed home the winner three minutes into stoppage time, meeting Lautaro Martinez’s cross to complete a remarkable comeback after Egypt appeared destined to force extra time.

Argentina had looked on the brink of a shock exit after Mostafa Zico doubled Egypt’s lead with 23 minutes remaining, having earlier seen another effort ruled out for offside.

Cristian Romero sparked the fightback in the 79th minute when he rose unmarked to head home from close range, before Lionel Messi levelled four minutes later with a powerful strike from inside the penalty area.

Egypt had taken the lead in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim got in front of Lisandro Martinez to power a header into the far corner.

Messi missed the chance to equalise earlier in the match after his penalty was saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, marking the Argentina captain’s second spot-kick miss of the tournament.

But Argentina piled on the pressure in the closing stages and completed the turnaround in stoppage time when Lautaro Martinez delivered a cross that Fernandez headed past Shobeir to seal victory.

Argentina will face either Switzerland or Colombia in Saturday’s quarter-final in Kansas.