In a World Cup qualifying round match in Atlanta, which will take place on Tuesday, July 7, two outstanding footballers, Mohamed Salah and Lionel Messi, will meet on the field for the first time. The clash will be between the national teams of Egypt and Argentina, both teams aiming to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of this unpredictable tournament.
Egypt, holder of seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, has never achieved such advancement in the World Cup before. The modern team, led by former Egyptian forward Hossam Hassan, has already achieved a historic success by reaching the Round of 16. In the previous tournament held in Qatar, Egypt could not even qualify, and in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, they were eliminated in the group stage.
Undoubtedly, Messi and Salah are among the greatest players of their generation, but their career achievements and international success differ. Messi, whom many call the 'magician' and the greatest player of all time (GOAT), built a legendary legacy by winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022, two Copa America titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and earning a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, in addition to scoring over 900 goals in his career.
In the current World Cup, Messi has scored goals in all matches for Argentina, including a hat-trick against Algeria, two goals against Austria, and also scoring against Jordan and Cape Verde, bringing his tournament tally to seven goals. Meanwhile, Salah has established himself as one of the greatest African players, winning UEFA Champions League and Premier League titles with Liverpool, receiving three Premier League Golden Boots, and becoming Egypt's all-time top scorer.
Although Salah has not matched Messi's goal count in this World Cup, he played a decisive role by scoring the goal that secured Egypt's historic first World Cup victory and inspired the team to advance to the playoffs. While Messi's trophies and individual awards place him among the greatest footballers, Salah's achievements have made him a national icon and one of the most successful Arab and African players in history.
Looking at Argentina's last match against Cape Verde, it can be noted that the team is not invincible. Argentina faced a serious test from the African team, which was participating in the World Cup for the first time. Cape Verde came back twice after falling behind before their own error by Diney Borges in the 111th minute allowed Messi's team to win. Messi played all 120 minutes of the match against Cape Verde, and it was evident that the Argentine defense was tired.
The question of the upcoming game against Egypt prompted comments from Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni. He stated at a press conference that 'This World Cup is very difficult for everyone; it seems there is no clear favorite.' Scaloni noted that 'Egypt is a good opponent. They are a very good team. They have important players and a coach who has been working with them for some time. They play good football and always create difficulties for their opponents.' He also added that 'Salah is a great player—it will be a pleasure to face him. Our team knows how to counter such great players, and we always work hard on it.'
Scaloni also pointed to the difficult conditions of the tournament: 'This World Cup is tough. Travel, heat, pitches, grass... sometimes the ball doesn't move well. There are many factors that make demonstrating superiority difficult.'
For his part, Hossam Hassan emphasized that he prepared his players 'regardless of the color of the opponent's jersey, or their name and rating.' He stated: 'This is the World Cup, a big opportunity to prove that we belong here.'
To win this game, Egypt needs to overcome not only Argentina's high class but also the psychological pressure associated with facing Lionel Messi. The team should focus on the game and draw inspiration from Cape Verde or Morocco—another Arab team that reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and reached the quarter-finals this time.
Furthermore, the 'Falcons' must avoid fatal errors that cost them dearly in this tournament. Their player Mohamed Hany scored two own goals in the World Cup: one against Belgium and another against Australia. To defeat Argentina, Egypt needs to find a way to control Messi. Limiting his influence, space, and ability to create chances will be crucial if the 'Falcons' manage to pull off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Eliminating Argentina from the tournament would be a fairy tale moment that few dared to imagine. It would also be another landmark achievement for African football, following Cape Verde's heroic performance against Messi and his teammates, and another reminder that with careful planning, determination, and a fearless approach, the impossible can become reality on the biggest stage. Now it is only a matter of time to see if Egypt can accept this challenge, amaze the world, and end Messi's run in the World Cup—just one day after his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo left the pitch in tears after Portugal's defeat to Spain. The wait is almost over: the match between Egypt and Argentina is scheduled for 20:00 UAE time.
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defending champions Argentina will face tenacious Egypt in an exciting Round of 16 match scheduled for Tuesday in Atlanta.
Although the headlines of the 2026 World Cup were recently dominated by political events—specifically, a direct phone call from US President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to suspend the ban on Folarin Balogun—attention has fully shifted back to the sports arena. The history of the World Cup has always been linked to political interference, starting with Benito Mussolini's influence in 1934 and Adolf Hitler's team in 1938, as well as the Argentine junta's rule in 1978 and the presence of the Kuwaiti royal family in 1982.
For Lionel Scaloni and Hossam Hassan, only playing for 90 or perhaps 120 minutes matters. Argentina aims to become the first team in 64 years to successfully defend its World Cup title. However, their path to the quarter-finals was difficult. In the Round of 32, the team barely avoided serious problems, winning the match against debutants Cabo Verde 3-2 after an own goal in extra time.
After this intense match, Scaloni noted the grueling nature of the tournament, stating: 'What does it mean to be Argentinian? To suffer.' He added that the players finished the game completely exhausted but can overcome any difficulties by playing with heart, and that there is something special about that form.
Since many Argentine players experienced cramps and severe fatigue after the two-hour ordeal in Miami, the team will have to use all its reserves. Scaloni dismissed any talk of a favorable warm-up, realizing that his squad will face a tactical and physical war of attrition against a disciplined African opponent.
Egypt enters this match riding a wave of unprecedented national momentum. The Pharaohs earned the right to participate in Atlanta by defeating Australia 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regular time. After already beating New Zealand, Hossam Hassan's undefeated team secured an impressive double victory over Oceania representatives, opening a new chapter in Egyptian football history.
For Egypt, this tournament is fueled by national pride and an unyielding defensive spirit. Forward Haissam Hassan shared his feelings: 'Honestly, it is incredible because you know that there are 120 million people in Egypt whom you made happy today. We entered Egyptian history.'
A crucial element of Egypt's deep run has been goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, whose father Ahmed played in goal at the Italian championship in 1990. Shobeir, who performed reliably in extra time and penalties, named cultural resilience as Egypt's secret weapon against the world champions. He emphasized: 'It is Egyptian resilience, it is something in our genetics. We fight until the end... We told each other that we wouldn't come here just to play the group stage.'
Argentina's attacking power, led by Messi, will clash with Egypt's rigid low block, which functions excellently under pressure. Nevertheless, injuries are beginning to question the depth of the Egyptian squad, while Argentina needs to overcome the psychological and physical consequences of their scare in extra time against Cabo Verde. It remains to be seen whether Argentina's championship experience can bring them closer to a historic title defense, or if Egypt's 'genetic resilience' will claim the ultimate prize in world football.
