A defiant Egypt was knocked out in the Round of 16 by defending champions Argentina, who secured a 3-2 victory on Tuesday in Atlanta, ending what had been a hopeful campaign for the African continent.
The seven-time African champions started brightly when Yasser Ibrahim gave Egypt the lead in the 14th minute. He caught the Argentine defence napping, taking advantage of Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez's lack of height to head home the opener.
Four minutes later, Nicolás Tagliafico was judged to have been fouled by Haissem Hassan inside the penalty area. Argentina captain Lionel Messi stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Mostafa Shoubir guessed correctly and saved the penalty.
The son of legendary goalkeeper Ahmed Shoubir, who represented the Pharaohs at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, went on to make several outstanding saves that kept Argentina at bay.
Egypt found the net again in the 58th minute after winger Haissem Hassan delivered a low cross, but Mostafa Ziko's goal was ruled out after Karim Hafez was adjudged to have fouled Lisandro Martínez in the build-up.
The same pair combined again in the 66th minute when defensive midfielder Mohammed Attia launched a counter-attack that found Haissem Hassan on the right flank. Hassan squared the ball to Mostafa Ziko, who slotted home Egypt's second goal. This time there was no VAR intervention, as French referee François Letexier pointed to the centre circle.
Christian Romero headed home from a cross in the 78th minute to pull one back for Argentina with 12 minutes of normal time remaining.
Argentina's pressure eventually paid off in the 83rd minute when captain Messi unleashed a stunning strike to level the match at 2-2.
Enzo Fernández scored Argentina's winner deep into stoppage time, although the Pharaohs protested to Letexier, believing Mohamed Salah had been fouled in the build-up to the goal.
Messi and Argentina advance to the quarter-finals, while Mohamed Salah and Egypt bow out.