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World Cup preview: Messi, Salah face off as Argentina and Egypt battle for quarter-final spot
07th July, 2026 05:42 PM
Before the Tuesday, July 7, 2026, FIFA World Cup 2026 round-of-16 clash, all eyes will be on the highly anticipated battle between Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah as defending champions Argentina face Egypt at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Argentina booked their place in the last 16 after surviving a dramatic scare from tournament newcomers Cape Verde, while Egypt needed a penalty shootout to edge Australia and continue their historic campaign.
Match preview
Argentina entered their previous knockout tie as overwhelming favourites but were pushed to the limit by a determined Cape Verde side. The African nation twice recovered from deficits to force extra time in one of the biggest surprises of the tournament.
The decisive moment eventually came in the 111th minute when Cape Verde’s Diony Borges accidentally turned the ball into his own net, sending Lionel Scaloni’s team into the next round. Although Cape Verde created 16 attempts on goal, Argentina’s experience over 120 minutes ultimately proved decisive.
The victory further strengthened Argentina’s outstanding record in World Cup matches that extend beyond regulation time. They have now emerged victorious in 10 of their 12 extra-time World Cup encounters, winning four outright before penalties and six through shootouts.
The reigning world champions are also enjoying excellent form, having won eight consecutive matches in all competitions. They have scored at least twice in every one of those victories and have already netted 11 goals during four matches at this year’s tournament.
Should Argentina overcome Egypt, they will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals. Their record in the World Cup round of 16 is equally impressive, having progressed from seven of their last nine appearances at this stage, with only the 1994 and 2018 tournaments ending in elimination.
Egypt, meanwhile, continue to make history. Their progress to the last 16 marks the first time in 92 years that they have advanced this far in the competition through qualification from the group stage, unlike their 1934 appearance when the tournament began directly with knockout fixtures.
The Pharaohs were stretched all the way by Australia before prevailing in a penalty shootout. Every Egyptian player converted from the spot, including Mohamed Salah, whose confident Panenka highlighted the shootout. Australia’s Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington both missed, allowing Egypt to celebrate a landmark victory.
Despite their success, Egypt have depended heavily on Salah’s individual brilliance and set-piece opportunities throughout the tournament. Their organised defensive structure has helped them remain competitive, but questions remain over whether that style can produce victories against elite opposition.
Defensively, Egypt have shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches after previously recording three successive clean sheets.
The two nations have met only once before, with Argentina winning 2-0 in a 2008 friendly thanks to goals from Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Burdisso. Messi missed that match because of injury, making Tuesday’s showdown against Salah their first meeting on the international stage.
Team news
Argentina are monitoring the fitness of several players following the physically demanding victory over Cape Verde. Nahuel Molina, Enzo Fernandez and Facundo Medina did not complete the team’s full recovery session after the match.
Medina’s issue is believed to be cramp rather than a serious injury, meaning Nicolas Tagliafico is available if changes are needed at left-back. Winger Nico Gonzalez is also being assessed after reportedly suffering an ankle problem.
Messi continues to rewrite the World Cup record books. Against Cape Verde, he became the first player to score seven goals in two separate World Cup tournaments and also moved to 12 career goal involvements in knockout matches, a record later matched by France’s Kylian Mbappe.
Egypt also have injury concerns. Left-back Karim Hafez was substituted late against Australia but has since returned to training and is expected to be available.
However, Ahmed Fatouh remains unlikely to feature because of a thigh injury, while central defender Mohamed Abdelmonem is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the group stage and faces a late fitness test.
There is better news in midfield, where Mohanad Lasheen returns after serving a one-match suspension.
Probable line-ups
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Thiago Almada.
Egypt: Mostafa Shobeir; Mohamed Hany, Ahmed Fathy, Ibrahim, Rabia; Ashour, Mohanad Lasheen, Ateya, Ziko; Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush.
