Messi and Salah to clash in World Cup round of 16

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature a high‑profile clash in the last‑16 on Tuesday when Egypt’s Mohamed Salah faces Argentina’s Lionel Messi. The match, scheduled for 14:00 UTC at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, will decide which side advances to the quarter‑finals and will be watched by millions worldwide.

Both players have been pivotal for their national teams. Salah, who led Egypt to a record‑breaking run in the group stage, will aim to carry his side past the Argentine squad that has already secured a top‑two finish in its group. Messi, now in his thirteenth World Cup, will look to guide Argentina toward a third consecutive final appearance, a feat the nation has not achieved since 1986.

The encounter is expected to be a showcase of individual brilliance and tactical discipline, with both teams’ fortunes resting heavily on the performances of their star forwards. The outcome will determine the next opponent for each side and could shape the narrative of the tournament’s knockout phase.