World Cup 2026: third showdown between Mohamed Salah and Lionel Messi

07.07.26 FT World Cup

Argentina

3

:

Egypt

2

Egypt and Argentina will go head-to-head this Tuesday, July 7, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with kick-off at 4pm GMT, as part of the Round of 16 in the World Cup.

This clash promises a tantalizing duel between two football superstars: Lionel Messi for Argentina and Mohamed Salah for Egypt. Both living legends are determined to lead their nations into the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Messi and Salah meet again

Before this matchup, Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah had never faced each other at international level, but they’ve crossed paths twice at club level. The first encounter happened when the Pharaoh was playing for AS Roma. The Giallorossi managed to hold Barcelona to a draw in the 2015-2016 Champions League group stage. Both players started that match, which ended in a stalemate (1-1).

Their second duel came in the 2018-2019 Champions League semi-finals. Now at Liverpool, Mohamed Salah suffered defeat against Barcelona (3-0). La Pulga stole the show, netting a brace (75’, 82’) after Luis Suarez opened the scoring (26’).

Lionel and Mo’s numbers at this World Cup

Lionel Messi has been on fire at this World Cup on American soil. La Pulga has scored seven goals in four appearances: three against Algeria, two versus Austria, and one each against Jordan and Cape Verde. The Albiceleste captain is fiercely determined to bring home another title after leading his nation to glory in 2022.

On the other side, Mohamed Salah has only found the net once—against New Zealand—but he remains the inspirational leader of an Egyptian side dreaming of toppling the reigning champions and extending their run in the tournament.

Two legends at home—and beyond...

Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah are part of football’s elite. Each is an undisputed legend in his own country—and well beyond.

With a trophy haul that defies belief, Lionel Messi is one of the most decorated players in football history. The Argentinian has captured eight Ballons d’Or, the 2022 World Cup, two Copa Américas, several UEFA Champions League titles, and multiple domestic league crowns with Barça, PSG, and Inter Miami.

For his part, Mohamed Salah has established himself as one of Africa’s greatest-ever players, boasting a rich collection of trophies and individual honors.

The Egyptian international has lifted the Champions League trophy with Liverpool, won the Premier League, and claimed several domestic cups.

Individually, he’s been named Premier League Player of the Season multiple times, clinched several Golden Boots in the English top flight, and was crowned African Footballer of the Year in both 2017 and 2018.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

Related teams and leagues

Argentina

Egypt

World Cup