World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah meet in last 16
Argentina and Egypt face off in the World Cup round of 16 on Tuesday, with Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah leading their respective nations' hopes.
A high-profile World Cup 2026 round of 16 match takes place in Atlanta on Tuesday as Argentina face Egypt. The game features a legendary meeting between two of football's biggest icons: 39-year-old Lionel Messi and 34-year-old Mohamed Salah.
For Messi, this tournament is widely expected to be his final World Cup. The Argentine captain has been in stellar form, scoring seven goals, though critics have pointed out the team's renewed reliance on his individual brilliance. Every match remains a chance for fans to watch a player who delivered the 2022 World Cup title and back-to-back Copa America trophies.
Conversely, this represents historic territory for Salah and Egypt, who have reached the knockout rounds of a World Cup for the first time. Salah, who has often navigated a complex relationship with his national football association, has become a source of immense pride and inspiration for millions of Egyptians, recently securing this spot with a decisive penalty shootout victory over Australia.
The match carries deep emotional weight for both nations. Argentina is chasing a rare back-to-back title, while Egypt is experiencing a landmark moment in their football history. As both icons approach the later stages of their careers, this game offers one of the most significant stages for their respective legacies.