Messi Chases an Eighth Straight Scoring Match
Argentina and Egypt meet in Atlanta on Tuesday with Lionel Messi arriving in the form of his life, having scored in eight consecutive World Cup matches, a record in the tournament’s history. The two-time defending champions survived a genuine scare in the last round, needing extra time to see off Cape Verde’s Cinderella run in a 3-2 thriller settled by a 111th-minute header from Cristian Romero after Messi’s opener was cancelled out. Egypt, appearing in only their second-ever World Cup knockout match, advanced by beating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw that delivered the country’s first knockout-stage win.
The Golden Boot Leader
Messi’s seven goals keep him atop the tournament’s scoring charts, a tally built on an expected-goals figure of under four that speaks to his knack for making the most of half-chances. His record-breaking run of consecutive scoring matches has reignited debate over whether this, his fifth and final World Cup, will end with the individual accolades to match the trophy he already lifted in Qatar. Messi's all-time World Cup scoring record, set earlier in the tournament, has only added to the sense that this is a farewell run for the ages.
Salah’s Lone Battle
Egypt’s route to an upset runs almost entirely through Mohamed Salah, who has carried the side’s attacking threat single-handedly through the group stage and into the knockouts. Coach Hossam Hassan is expected to set up defensively, packing numbers behind the ball and looking to spring Salah in transition, a plan that worked in patches against Australia but will face a far sterner test against an Argentina defense marshaled by Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez.
Overwhelming Favorites
Bookmakers have installed Argentina as heavy favorites, and few neutrals expect anything other than a comfortable night for the world champions. Yet Egypt’s run to this stage, their first knockout appearance in over 90 years of World Cup history, has already exceeded expectations, and Hassan’s players have spoken openly about wanting to give Salah, at 33 and playing in what may be his last World Cup, one more signature moment on the biggest stage.
Looking Ahead
The winner will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarterfinals, continuing a tournament that has rewarded fearless underdogs almost as often as it has the traditional powers. For Argentina, the target remains a second straight title; for Egypt, simply reaching the last eight would be historic.
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