Argentina vs Egypt: Messi's Last Dance Against Salah's Egypt

Predictions

We think Argentina are simply too strong here, and we call it a clean 2-0.

On paper this looks one-sided, because Argentina are the world champions and one of the best teams on the planet.

But football is never played on paper.

And Egypt have Mohamed Salah, a man who can win any game on his own.

So we expect Argentina to control it, but do not fall asleep, because Salah can turn the game and put Egypt in the lead at any moment.

• Our prediction: a comfortable Argentina win, 2-0.
• Bet365: Argentina are big favorites at -275, about a 73% chance to win in the 90 minutes, with Egypt out at +850.
• Kalshi prediction market: Argentina about 72% to win, Egypt about 10%.

Messi and Salah, Two Legends, One Last Stage

This is a game about two of the greatest players of their time.

Lionel Messi is 39 years old, and this is very likely his last ever World Cup.

Here is the incredible part.

He is not just here to say goodbye, and he has proved it at every match.

So far he has been the best scorer of the competition with 7 goals.

He is now the all-time top scorer in World Cup history.

Just imagine watching a legend play the best football of his life at the very end of his career, to lead his country to a 2nd World Cup in a row.

But on the other side stands Mohamed Salah, Egypt's captain and hero, also on what is likely his last World Cup too.

So far he has carried this Egypt team to a place they have never been before.

So two icons meet, both chasing one more magic night, and only one of them will walk off smiling.

How Did Argentina Reach the Round of 16?

Argentina have looked exactly like the champions everyone expected.

They cruised through their group with a 3-0 win over Algeria.

Then they beat Austria 2-0 and Jordan 3-1 to win the group with ease.

But the round of 32 gave them a real fright, a close 3-2 win over a strong Cape Verde team that pushed them all the way to the end.

Tiny Cape Verde would not go away, and Argentina had to dig deep to survive.

So they are through, but that scare was a reminder that they cannot switch off for a second.

How Did Egypt Reach the Round of 16?

For Egypt, just being here is already history.

This is the first time they have ever reached the round of 16 at a World Cup.

They started with a brave 1-1 draw against Belgium that made the world take notice.

Then they beat New Zealand 3-1, and a 1-1 draw with Iran was enough to go through.

In the round of 32 they knocked out Australia on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

They held their nerve in the shootout, and a whole nation went wild.

Egypt have not lost a game all tournament, so they walk into this match full of confidence and not scared of anyone.

Why Are Argentina the Big Favorites?

The simple answer is that Argentina have more quality all over the pitch.

They are the reigning champions, and they are chasing back-to-back titles, something no team has done since 1962.

Messi is the star, but he is far from alone.

Their striker Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid) runs all day and scores big goals.

Alongside him their forward Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan) is one of the sharpest finishers in the world.

And in midfield their playmaker Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) controls the game and sets up the attacks.

Under coach Lionel Scaloni, this team just knows how to win the big games.

That is why the markets make Argentina huge favorites, about 73% to win in the 90 minutes.

Why Do Egypt Still Have a Real Chance?

Still, Egypt have Salah, and one player like him can win this game on his own.

Their whole plan is simple, stay solid at the back and wait for their moment.

Egypt have been very hard to beat, with one of the meanest defenses left in the tournament.

And then there is Salah, the one player who can change everything in a heartbeat.

Give him a single half-chance, and he can score a goal out of nowhere.

Their forward Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) gives them a second real threat too.

So if Egypt defend brilliantly and Salah has a great day, an upset is not impossible.

The winner takes a big step in the knockout stage, and Egypt will believe they can pull it off.

Our Call: Argentina 2-0 Egypt

So how do we see this one playing out?

We think Argentina simply have too much for Egypt over 90 minutes.

With Messi in this kind of form, they should control the game from start to finish.

Egypt will stay back and pin all their hopes on a Salah moment.

But we think Argentina keep Salah quiet and win a professional 2-0.

The most Egypt can realistically hope for is a Salah goal, not a win.

Where and When Is the Match?

The game is on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

It is played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

And kickoff is at 12:00 PM Eastern time.

The winner then reaches the quarterfinals, and the loser is out of the World Cup.

You can find all the extra details on the match page.

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