LOS ANGELES — Lionel Messi led a stunning late fightback as Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals today, the reigning champions recovering from a two-goal deficit to escape a monumental upset.

Egypt looked poised to score a famous victory at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium after goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico left them 2-0 up with just 11 minutes of normal time remaining.

But Cristian Romero’s 79th-minute header from a pinpoint Messi cross gave the defending champions a lifeline at 2-1.

Four minutes later, Messi volleyed in a superb equaliser — his eighth goal of the tournament — to make it 2-2 and spark wild celebrations among the huge contingent of Argentina fans in the 68,239 crowd.

With extra-time looming, Enzo Fernandez nodded in a sensational winner in the second minute of time added on to finally break Egypt’s resistance.

“Being able to experience moments like this, honestly, I thank God, I’m privileged,” Fernandez said afterwards.

“I want to highlight my team-mates — we have a phenomenal group, a group that never gives up no matter the difficulties and adversity. We’re always together,” the Chelsea midfielder added.

Fernandez’s goal capped what had been an epic contest, which saw Messi miss a first-half penalty for the second time this tournament, and Egypt have a second-half goal ruled out in a controversial VAR decision.

Furious Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan said his team had been “cheated” by the decisions that went against them.

“I do not want to put it nicely and talk about hard luck. We have been cheated unfairly today, we have suffered injustice,” said Hassan.

“We haven’t seen respect or fair play. There has not been respect or fair play.”

The win was another nailbiting close shave for Argentina, who had been taken to the wire by Cape Verde in an extra-time thriller in the last 32 on Friday.