Argentina Face Egypt in 2026 World Cup Last 16 as Messi, Salah Chase Quarter-Final
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 7
Argentina Face Egypt in 2026 World Cup Last 16 as Messi, Salah Chase Quarter-Final
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 7
Summary
Atlanta hosts Tuesday’s round-of-16 tie between Argentina and Egypt, with a quarter-final place at stake and a rare World Cup meeting between Lionel Messi, 39, and Mohamed Salah, 34.
Messi arrives chasing a second straight title with Argentina and has scored 7 goals in the tournament, while also extending records with a sixth World Cup and goals in 8 consecutive World Cup matches.
Egypt reached the knockout stage for the first time, beating Australia in a shootout in the last 32 after Salah converted a Panenka penalty.
The match also carries end-of-era weight: Messi has indicated this is likely his last World Cup, while Salah is playing his first knockout match in a third tournament and still hopes to reach 2030.
Can Egypt's historic knockout stage run extend by toppling the defending champions, or is Messi's quest for a 'bicampeonato' simply unstoppable?
Is Messi's record-breaking form enough to carry Argentina, or will Salah's inspired Egypt expose the world champions' over-reliance on their aging captain?
Argentina Edges Egypt 3-2: Messi Extends World Cup Records, Salah Leads Egypt’s Best-Ever Run
Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 featured a dramatic clash between reigning champions Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta. This was only the third meeting between the two nations, with Argentina having won both previous encounters. Argentina, aiming for a record fourth World Cup title, entered the match as favorites, while Egypt sought to make history by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time. The stakes were high for both teams, with Argentina’s strong legacy and Egypt’s ambition setting the stage for an intense and memorable contest.