The World Cup stage is set for a high-stakes encounter between Argentina and Egypt, featuring a compelling duel between global superstars Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah. As the tournament progresses, one of these legends will be eliminated, with the possibility of it being their final World Cup appearance.
This match carries significant historical weight for Egypt, marking their first appearance in the World Cup's last 16 in 92 years. The team secured their place by achieving their first World Cup win against New Zealand in the group stage, followed by a victory over Australia in a penalty shootout in the last 32. Mohamed Salah contributed to this progress, converting a penalty against Australia.
Lionel Messi, a World Cup winner in 2022, has enjoyed a strong tournament for Argentina. He has equaled his previous World Cup goal tally in fewer matches this year, averaging a goal every 46 minutes and scoring seven goals from 15 shots on target. Messi has been directly responsible for 64% of Argentina's 11 goals in the tournament.
In contrast, Salah scored twice in two games at the 2018 World Cup. This year, he has recorded one goal and two assists, bringing his total World Cup goal contributions to five. Messi's overall World Cup record boasts 20 goals and eight assists across 30 matches spanning six tournaments since 2006. He has also created 20 major chances and averages 4.3 shots per game, compared to Salah's figures of one and 2.5 respectively. However, Salah has a higher average of key passes per game, with 3.33 compared to Messi's 2.83.
On an international level across all matches, Messi has scored 124 goals in 203 appearances, averaging a goal every 135 minutes. Salah has scored 66 goals in 118 matches for Egypt, averaging a goal every 155 minutes.
Argentina enters the match as favorites, with Opta's supercomputer giving Egypt only an 11.5% chance of winning in regulation time. Argentina's recent World Cup form includes a 10-match unbeaten streak, with their last defeat occurring in Qatar. They have also won their last eight matches against African nations.
Despite Argentina's strong defense, which has conceded an expected goals (xG) of just 2.1, they have shown vulnerability. Cape Verde pushed them to extra time in the last 16, scoring twice past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The match promises a dramatic contest between two of football's most celebrated players.
This tournament has already seen the departures of other football legends, including Luka Modric, Manuel Neuer, Neymar, and Cristiano Ronaldo, adding to the sense of an era drawing to a close.