Lionel Messi vs Mohamed Salah: who will lead their nation to the World Cup quarterfinals? Prediction for Argentina vs Egypt
The 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs continue to deliver blockbuster matchups. On the evening of Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 18:00 Central European Time, two continental giants – Argentina and Egypt – will clash at Atlanta Stadium in the round of 16.
Both teams have battled their way into this stage through the furnace of intense round of 32 encounters. The reigning world champions, Argentina, only edged out a heroic Cape Verde side in extra time, winning 3-2, while Egypt made national history by knocking out Australia in a penalty shootout after a draw in regular time. The main intrigue of this fixture: Mohamed Salah and Lionel Messi will face off for the first time ever on the international stage.
Argentina got the perfect wake-up call in the previous round. Scaloni's defense unexpectedly faltered against the audacious Cape Verdeans, twice surrendering their lead. Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero had to step up to save their nation. Meanwhile, Leo Messi is in phenomenal form – he’s already netted 7 goals at this World Cup. It’s clear the coaching staff will be working hard to iron out defensive mistakes.
Lionel Scaloni won’t abandon his philosophy of controlling possession. The midfield trio of De Paul, Mac Allister, and Fernández will press the opposition in the center. The main threat will come from Messi’s incisive through balls and Lautaro Martínez’s aggressive runs into the box.
Egypt are celebrating their first-ever appearance in the round of 16 under the modern World Cup format. Salah, despite recent hamstring issues, put in a full 120-minute shift against Australia and coolly converted his penalty in the shootout. Egypt are strong in character, dominant in aerial duels (scoring 3 headed goals in the tournament), but the team may struggle physically after a grueling extra time.
It’s expected that Pharaohs’ head coach Hossam Hassan will rely on a deep defensive block. Realizing that taking on Argentina in open play would be a death sentence, the Egyptians will park the bus and hope for moments of brilliance with long balls, banking on Mohamed Salah’s pace and dribbling.
Notably, these national teams have never crossed paths in official World Cup fixtures before. Their head-to-head in Atlanta will be an absolute historic debut.
Probable lineups
- Argentina: Martínez E. – Molina, Romero, Martínez Li., Tagliafico – De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández, Almada – Messi, Martínez La.
- Egypt: Shobeir – Hany, Fathy, Ibrahim, Rabia – Lasheen, Attia, Salah – Ashour, Ziko, Marmoush
What’s the smart bet for this clash?
Egypt’s defense is far from flawless, and the Albiceleste attack, spearheaded by Messi, is firing on all cylinders. We’re almost certain to see at least two goals from the favorites. At the same time, we’re covering for a possible consolation strike from Salah. Prediction: Argentina’s individual total over 1.5 goals.
