Lionel Messi's Argentina will face Egypt in a World Cup last-16 showdown on Tuesday, with the defending champions looking to advance to the quarter-finals. The match, set to take place in Atlanta, pits two of football's biggest stars against each other: Messi and Mohamed Salah. The winner will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the semifinals.
Argentina's Scare Against Cape Verde
Argentina survived a major scare against World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the previous round, advancing only after a 120-minute battle that ended with an own goal by Diney Borges. The energy-sapping extra time raised concerns about Messi's fitness, but coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that the 39-year-old is fit to start. Scaloni acknowledged the challenge posed by Egypt, stating, "We are on the alert just like we were before the match against Cape Verde. Egypt is also a good rival. It's a very good team. They have important players and a coach that has been working with them for a while now. They play good football and always make it difficult for their rivals."
Golden Boot Race Heats Up
Messi is currently tied with France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland at seven goals in the race for the Golden Boot. Mbappe leads due to two assists. Additionally, Messi and Mbappe are competing for the title of all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, with Messi just one goal ahead at 20. Scaloni praised Salah, saying, "Salah is a great player — it will be a pleasure to face him. Our team knows how to face these great players and we always work hard for it."
Egypt's Ambitions
Egypt, who have never advanced beyond the round of 16, eliminated Australia on penalties in the last 32. Salah, currently without a club after leaving Liverpool, has scored only once in four matches so far. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan expressed confidence, stating, "This is a World Cup, a great opportunity to prove ourselves and that we belong here." He added that he prepared his players "regardless of the color of the opponent's shirt, or what name they have, and what ranking they have."
Switzerland vs Colombia
In another last-16 clash, Switzerland and Colombia meet in Vancouver. Both teams are unbeaten in the tournament. Colombia, supported by passionate yellow-clad fans, are considered dark horses. They have conceded just one goal and boast Luis Diaz and 2014 Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez. Switzerland, who have not reached the quarter-finals since 1954, impressed with a 2-0 win over Algeria in the last 32.
Quarter-Final Line-Up So Far
The winners will join a heavyweight quarter-final line-up that already includes France, Morocco, Norway, England, Spain, and Belgium. Spain ended Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup dream by beating Portugal 1-0, while Belgium crushed the United States 4-1. The defeat for the US means no host nation remains in the 2026 tournament after Canada and Mexico were earlier eliminated.
Controversy Over Balogun's Clearance
The build-up to the US game was overshadowed by controversy after forward Folarin Balogun was cleared to play despite being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina. It emerged that President Donald Trump personally called FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to urge a review of the punishment, leading to the bombshell ruling.
