Salah’s Egypt chase more history against Messi’s Argentina

Doha, Qatar: After leading Egypt to the biggest victory in the country’s football history, Mohamed Salah revealed the message he gave his teammates before their dramatic penalty-shootout triumph over Australia: “This is a world stage. Show your footballing quality.”

History-making Egypt will need another performance of that calibre today when they take on reigning champions Argentina and Lionel Messi in a rare Round of 16 meeting between South America’s and Africa’s most decorated football nations at Atlanta Stadium.

The 16-time Copa America champions and seven-time Africa Cup of Nations winners meet at 7pm Qatar time with a quarter-final against Switzerland or Colombia at stake.

The Pharaohs have already rewritten their record books in North America. They secured their first-ever World Cup victory during the group stage, reached the knockout rounds for the first time and now stand one win away from becoming only the fifth African nation to reach the quarter-finals.

“We made history,” Salah said after the Australia victory.

“I spoke with my teammates and told them, ‘This is a world stage. Show your footballing quality.’ I’m very happy we won the match.”

The Liverpool star has inspired Hossam Hassan’s side throughout the tournament, combining leadership with creativity as Egypt emerged from Group G unbeaten before overcoming Australia in a tense shootout after a 1-1 draw.Argentina’s Lionel Messi takes part in a training session.

When asked about the prospect of facing Messi after that victory, Salah embraced the challenge.

“Everybody wants to play against the best players in the world,” he said.

This will also mark the first international meeting between Messi and Salah in national colours.

Hassan’s disciplined side have blended resilience with attacking quality throughout the tournament, refusing to be overawed on football’s biggest stage. Another composed display will be essential against a team chasing history of its own.

Argentina remain on course to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup, but Lionel Scaloni’s men were reminded in the Round of 32 that reputations alone guarantee nothing.

After cruising through the group stage with three straight wins, the holders were pushed to the limit by African debutants Cape Verde before eventually prevailing 3-2 after extra time. The scare exposed defensive vulnerabilities and ensured Argentina arrive with renewed focus.

Scaloni acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side, while midfielder Leandro Paredes also warned against underestimating the Africans.

“It will be a very difficult match. We are at the elite level of football and all national teams are very good and physical,” Paredes said.

Messi will once again be the focal point. The Argentina captain is enjoying another record-breaking World Cup and shares the Golden Boot lead with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland on seven goals. His influence has once again driven La Albiceleste, who have reached the Round of 16 at every World Cup since 2002.

Despite their rich football traditions, Argentina and Egypt have met only once before, with the South Americans winning a 2008 friendly 2-0.

Egypt’s dream run has already produced several firsts, and another upset would send the Pharaohs into uncharted territory, while Argentina seek to keep alive their second straight title bid.