Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Egypt vs Argentina will bring Mohamed Salah and Lionel Messi together at international level for the first time when the Pharaohs face the world champions in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Egypt reached the last 16 after a shootout win over Australia in Dallas, while Argentina survived a nervous clash with Cape Verde to keep their World Cup title defence alive.
The heavyweight meeting follows another emotional knockout night, after Spain eliminated Portugal in a World Cup thriller as Cristiano Ronaldo exited.
Salah Carries Egypt’s Hope
Salah scored in the shootout against Australia after missing in Egypt’s previous two penalty shootouts, including the World Cup qualifying playoff against Senegal four years ago.
“I decided last minute. I am more experienced than others and I wanted to give them confidence,” Salah said.
“I don’t know if it’s my last World Cup, but I had to do it. Today was one of the best days of my life.”
Asked who he wanted to face next if this is his final World Cup, Salah smiled and answered simply: “Messi.”
Egypt Not Focused Only On Messi
Egypt’s national team director Ibrahim Hassan said the squad cannot allow Messi’s status to dominate their preparation.
“We aren’t focusing on Messi,” he said.
“We tell the players to go out there, play their game and block out the stature of who they are up against. They might have Messi, but we have Mohamed Salah – and we have 26 Messis of our own.”
Salah’s workload remains a concern after a hamstring issue forced him off against Iran in the group stage.
Still, he has created 16 chances at this World Cup, more than any other player in the tournament.
Argentina Face Physical Test
Former Argentina forward Sergio Aguero warned that Lionel Scaloni’s team face a difficult turnaround after the Cape Verde scare.
“What worries me now is that there are only four days to rest, travel” Aguero said.
Egypt will also look to Omar Marmoush and teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who has appeared from the bench in every match.
Asked about facing Messi, Abdelkarim kept the focus wider.
“We’re playing against Argentina, not against Messi.”
Official tournament updates are available through FIFA.
