06/07/2026
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06/07/2026
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ATLANTA, July 6: Fans are eagerly awaiting a blockbuster clash between Egypt and Argentina in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup today, a meeting that goes beyond tactical battle to spotlight two of the modern game’s greatest icons: Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Egypt star Mohamed Salah.
Egypt has made history in this tournament by reaching the Round of 16 for the first time, producing standout performances that have captured global attention. The Pharaohs now face their toughest test yet against the reigning world champions in a high-stakes knockout encounter.
The spotlight, however, falls on the renewed rivalry between Salah and Messi, who have met only twice before in their careers.
Their first meeting came in the 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League group stage, when Salah was at Roma and Messi represented Barcelona. The match at the Stadio Olimpico ended 1-1, with both players completing the full game.
In the return fixture at Camp Nou, Barcelona won emphatically 6-1, although Salah did not feature in that match, postponing a second direct showdown.
Their next encounter arrived in the 2019 Champions League semi-finals, when Barcelona defeated Liverpool 3-0 in the first leg, with Messi scoring twice, including a memorable free-kick.
Salah missed the second leg at Anfield due to injury, as Liverpool produced a stunning 4-0 comeback to reach the final and eventually lift the trophy.
Now, the Egypt-Argentina clash in the World Cup Round of 16 represents the third chapter in the Salah vs Messi narrative—this time on the biggest stage in world football. Salah will aim to inspire Egypt to a historic quarter-final place, while Argentina continues its bid to defend the world title they won in Qatar.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Switzerland and Colombia meet at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver in another Round of 16 fixture.
