Lionel Messi's Argentina face Egypt in a highly anticipated last-16 World Cup showdown on Tuesday. The defending champions, led by the maestro Messi, will clash with the African nation, spearheaded by Mohamed Salah, in Atlanta for a place in the quarter-finals. The winner will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the next round.
Messi and Salah: A Battle of Superstars
Messi, 39, is fit to start despite playing the full 120 minutes against Cape Verde. He is currently tied with France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland on seven goals in the race for the Golden Boot, with Mbappe leading due to his two assists. Messi and Mbappe are also locked in a battle for the title of leading goalscorer in World Cup history, with the Argentine just one goal ahead on 20.
Salah, currently without a club after leaving Liverpool, has scored just once in four matches so far. Despite this, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has been preparing his players regardless of the opponent's name or ranking, viewing this as a great opportunity to prove themselves.
Argentina's Road to the Last-16
Argentina survived a huge scare from World Cup first-timers Cape Verde in the last 32, edging through courtesy of Diney Borges' own goal in energy-sapping extra time. They will hope to resume normal service against Egypt, who have never been beyond the round of 16 on football's biggest stage.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has warned his team to be on high alert, praising Egypt as a good rival with important players and a coach that has been working with them for a while. Scaloni confirmed that his team knows how to face great players and always works hard for it.
Egypt's Unbeaten Run
Egypt have been unbeaten in the tournament so far, eliminating Australia on penalties in the last 32. They will be looking to continue their unbeaten run against Argentina, supported by hordes of passionate yellow-clad fans.
The Road to the Quarter-Finals
The winner of the Argentina-Egypt clash will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals. Switzerland have not reached the quarter-finals since 1954, while Colombia, with the attacking prowess of Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez, have been tipped as dark horses for the tournament.
Why This Matters
This match is crucial for both teams as they vie to join the heavyweight line-up for the last eight so far -- France, Morocco, Norway, England, Spain and Belgium. The outcome will significantly impact the race for the Golden Boot and the title of leading goalscorer in World Cup history.
