Mohamed Salah and Lionel Messi are set to face each other for the first time at international level as Egypt take on Argentina in the World Cup last 16 on Tuesday in Atlanta. Salah, who scored a penalty in a shootout victory over Australia, expressed his desire to face Messi if it were his final World Cup.
Salah's penalty redemption
After missing in Egypt's previous two shootouts, including a World Cup qualifying playoff against Senegal, Salah stepped up to convert a scuffed penalty against Australia. 'I decided last minute. I am more experienced than others and I wanted to give them confidence,' he said. 'I don't know if it's my last World Cup, but I had to do it. Today was one of the best days of my life.'
First international meeting of legends
Salah and Messi have met twice before in the Champions League: in 2015 when Salah played for Roma, and in 2019 when Liverpool lost 3-0 at Camp Nou. Messi missed the second leg due to injury, but Salah's absence from the 4-0 comeback at Anfield due to concussion was noted by Jurgen Klopp as inspirational.
Egypt's confidence and concerns
Egypt's national team director Ibrahim Hassan said, 'We aren't focusing on Messi. They might have Messi, but we have Mohamed Salah – and we have 26 Messis of our own.' However, there are concerns over Salah's workload after a hamstring injury. Sergio Aguero warned of fatigue: 'What worries me now is that there are only four days to rest, travel. Many players were suffering from cramps.'
Injury and future uncertainty
Salah has created 16 chances, the most of any player at the tournament, despite being half fit. His future is uncertain after his Liverpool contract expired; a move to the Saudi Pro League is rumoured. He has followed a yoga programme since his second season at Liverpool to extend his career.
Egypt's threats beyond Salah
Omar Marmoush and teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim, considered Salah's successor, pose additional threats. Egypt will be buoyed by Cape Verde's close game against Argentina, which ended in a nervy win for the world champions.
