Messi’s Argentina to go against Salah’s Egypt
Defending champions Argentina face Egypt in the World Cup Round of 16 as Lionel Messi looks to continue his record-breaking tournament. Argentina survived a major scare against Cape Verde, winning 3-2 after extra time, while Egypt edged past Australia on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Messi enters the match with seven goals and could become only the second Argentine after Guillermo Stábile to score eight goals in a single World Cup. Argentina have scored at least twice in each of their last 10 World Cup matches and are favourites to progress, with Opta giving them a 69.1% chance of victory.
However, Egypt remain unbeaten at the tournament and possess a dangerous attacking threat in Mohamed Salah, who has created 16 chances so far and continues to be the Pharaohs’ creative spark. Fatigue could play a role after both sides needed extra time in the previous round, but Argentina’s experience and attacking firepower make them strong favourites to book a quarter-final clash against either Colombia or Switzerland.
