FIFA 2026 Tickets: They have Messi, but we have Salah. Egypt prepares to take on Argentina

Author : FIFA World Cup Tickets | Published On : 07 Jul 2026

FIFA 2026 Tickets: The last 16 tie will be the first international meeting between two modern legends who may yet go on making history. Mohamed Salah savoured the feeling of Egypt’s historic victory over Australia; the narrative had already moved on. The former Liverpool forward could not contain his delight after his scuffed penalty helped to seal a redemptive shootout triumph in Dallas for the Pharaohs on Friday.

Mohamed Salah Embraces the Messi Challenge After Egypt's Historic Win

Soccer groups across the globe are eagerly awaiting the FIFA World Cup, the final celebration of generous excellence and worldwide desire. Raise your match day journey with select FIFA 2026 Tickets, accessible now at eTicketing.co. Plunge by hand into the thrill, drama, and notable moments as they unfold live, right at the core of the action. Don’t miss your accidental to witness football’s most iconic spectacle. Secure your FIFA 2026 Hospitality packages today!

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While he initially dismissed questions about the prospect of facing Lionel Messi in the next round out of respect as Argentina prepared to face Cape Verde in what turned out to be an epic, he could not avoid it altogether. Asked who he would like to come up against if it does turn out to be his swansong, Salah had no hesitation. “Messi,” he said with a smirk.

Salah and Messi Set for Their First International Showdown

Most people remember what happened next. Even if Salah missed the incredible 4-0 turnaround at Anfield because of a concussion he sustained a few days earlier against Newcastle. Jürgen Klopp said the sight of Salah wearing a ‘Never give up.  T-shirt was an inspiration for one of football’s most famous comebacks.

Tuesday’s showdown in Atlanta will be their first at the international level. They have met twice before, both in the Champions League, first in 2015 when Salah was at Roma, then four years later in Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat in the semi-final first leg at the Camp Nou. Click to read more about FIFA 2026 Tickets.

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Argentina Faces Recovery Challenge Ahead of Egypt Showdown

There are major concerns over Salah’s workload after he was rushed back from the hamstring. Strain that forced him off against Iran during the group stages. He was spotted taking in the sights of downtown Atlanta during a stroll with his teammates. On Sunday morning after they arrived in Georgia 24 hours earlier.

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Argentina flew in later that day, with some concerns over the quick turnaround. After their close shave against Cape Verde in Florida. We aren’t focusing on Messi, he said. We tell the players to go out there, play their game. And block out the stature of who they are up against. They might have Messi, but we have Mohamed Salah, and we have 26 Messis of our own.

What worries me now is that there are only four days to rest. Said the former Manchester City forward Sergio Agüero, who played 101 times for Argentina. Many players were suffering from cramps, and now you play Egypt, who are also a very physically strong team. They have a little more quality at the front than Cape Verde.

Salah Continues to Inspire Egypt Despite Fitness Challenges

Egypt can certainly take heart from the difficulties Cape Verde caused Argentina’s experienced defence, with City’s Omar Marmoush another obvious threat despite not showing his best form so far. The teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who plays for Barcelona’s B side and has come off the bench in every game, is considered to be Salah’s natural successor and appears to have learned from him off the pitch as well as on it.

Salah struggled with injuries in his final season at Liverpool, with the backdrop of his personal disagreements with the since-deposed manager Arne Slot. But he has created more chances than any other player at this World Cup with 16 and clearly still has plenty to offer even if half fit.

As made famous by his tree pose celebration, since his second season at Liverpool, Salah has been following a yoga programme designed to help with the stresses of being a superstar and extend his career. Depending on his next move, there is no reason why he cannot follow the 39-year-old Messi and make it to another World Cup.

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Who will Egypt face in the FIFA 2026 Round of 16?

Egypt is set to face Argentina in the Round of 16, marking the first international meeting between Mohamed Salah and Lionel Messi.

Why was Egypt's victory over Australia considered historic?

The win secured Egypt's place in the knockout stage after a dramatic penalty shootout, with Mohamed Salah converting a crucial spot kick to help his team advance.

Why did Mohamed Salah take Egypt's penalty in the shootout?

Salah said he wanted to give confidence to his teammates because of his experience, despite having missed penalties in previous international shootouts.

Have Mohamed Salah and Lionel Messi played against each other before?

Yes. They have faced each other twice in the UEFA Champions League at club level, but this will be their first meeting in international football.

What concerns does Egypt have regarding Mohamed Salah's fitness?

There are concerns that Salah was rushed back from a hamstring injury suffered during the group stage, although he has continued to play an important role for Egypt.

Why is Argentina cautious ahead of the match against Egypt?

Argentina had a physically demanding previous match and faces a short recovery period, while Egypt is considered a strong and physically competitive opponent.

Which Egyptian players could make an impact alongside Mohamed Salah?

Omar Marmoush remains a key attacking threat, while teenage forward Hamza Abdelkarim is regarded as one of Egypt's brightest emerging talents.

How has Mohamed Salah performed at the FIFA 2026 World Cup despite injury concerns?

Even while managing fitness issues, Salah has created more chances than any other player in the tournament, highlighting his continued influence in Egypt's attack.

How has Mohamed Salah worked to extend his playing career?

Salah has followed a dedicated yoga program for several years to improve flexibility, aid recovery, and help maintain his performance at the highest level as he aims to compete in future major tournaments.

How can fans sell FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets safely?

Fans can sell FIFA World Cup tickets through trusted platforms like Xchangetickets. These marketplaces connect buyers and sellers for group, knockout, and final matches.