Two of football’s greatest modern icons will share the same stage on Tuesday when Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah meet for the first time at a World Cup, as Argentina face Egypt for a place in the quarter-finals.

While the individual duel will dominate the headlines, this last-16 encounter at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium also pits the reigning world champions against an Egyptian side enjoying the finest World Cup campaign in the nation’s history.

Argentina needed extra time to survive an enormous scare against Cape Verde in the previous round, whereas Egypt held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout against Australia to reach the last 16 for the first time through the modern tournament format.

Messi’s Argentina refuse to surrender

Argentina were expected to ease past tournament debutants Cape Verde, but instead found themselves embroiled in one of the most entertaining matches of the knockout stage. The Blue Sharks twice fought back to level the contest before taking the defending champions into extra time.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in cruel fashion for Cape Verde, as Diony Borges inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net in the 111th minute to settle a thrilling contest. While the performance exposed vulnerabilities rarely associated with Lionel Scaloni’s side, it also reinforced their remarkable resilience when knockout football becomes a war of attrition.

Argentina have long mastered the art of surviving these moments. They have now won 10 of their 12 World Cup matches that have gone beyond 90 minutes and continue to demonstrate the experience that separates champions from challengers.

The holders also arrive on an eight-match winning run in all competitions, scoring at least twice in every victory. Messi remains at the heart of everything Argentina create, and the 39-year-old continues to rewrite football history. Against Cape Verde he became the first player ever to score seven goals at two separate World Cups, while matching Kylian Mbappe’s record of 12 direct goal involvements in World Cup knockout matches.

Scaloni will monitor the fitness of several players following the physically demanding last-32 encounter. Facundo Medina’s issue appears to have been nothing more than cramp, although Nico Gonzalez remains a doubt with an ankle problem. Nicolas Tagliafico is ready should changes become necessary.

Historic Egypt dream of another upset

Whatever happens from this point, Egypt have already produced one of the stories of the tournament.

Hossam Hassan’s side reached the World Cup knockout rounds on merit for the first time, before defeating Australia in a dramatic penalty shootout to advance even further. Mohamed Salah showed nerves of steel by converting an audacious Panenka, while Australia’s missed spot kicks sparked emotional celebrations among the Pharaohs players.

Their achievement represents a landmark moment for Egyptian football, but an even greater challenge now awaits against the reigning world champions.

Salah has once again carried much of the creative burden, yet Egypt’s defensive record remains a concern. They have now conceded in six consecutive matches, and injuries at the back have arrived at the worst possible moment. Karim Hafez is expected to recover in time despite being forced off against Australia, but Mohamed Abdelmonem remains a major doubt with an ankle injury. Ahmed Fatouh is also unlikely to return, limiting Hassan’s options at left-back against Messi.

There is, however, one welcome boost. Midfielder Mohanad Lasheen returns from suspension, adding valuable experience and defensive discipline in the centre of the park.

Stopping Argentina will require the performance of Egypt’s modern footballing history. Their attacking quality, led by Salah, is capable of creating moments of danger, but maintaining defensive concentration for 90 minutes may prove the bigger challenge.

Verdict

The prospect of Messi against Salah is irresistible, but this tie is likely to be decided everywhere else on the pitch.

Egypt have shown admirable resilience throughout the tournament and possess enough quality in attack to trouble any defence. However, their inability to consistently keep clean sheets is a worrying trend when facing an Argentina side that have rediscovered their clinical edge in the final third.

The extra-time victory over Cape Verde should also serve as a reminder that Argentina know how to navigate difficult knockout matches, even when they fall short of their best level. Their experience, composure and wealth of attacking options make them deserved favourites to progress.

Tip

Argentina to win and over 2.5 goals

Egypt have exceeded expectations to reach the last 16, but defensive injuries and a run of six consecutive matches without a clean sheet suggest containing Messi and company for 90 minutes will be an enormous task. Argentina should have enough quality to secure another quarter-final appearance in an entertaining contest.