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FC·PREVIEW·July 7, 2026 12:28 PM ET

Lionel Messi And Mo Salah Prepare For World Cup Round of 16 Showdown

The global icons meet in Atlanta.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 71 min read
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Lionel Messi and Mo Salah. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 https://t.co/2rKQYOuoLL

What happened: Lionel Messi and Mo Salah are set for a major showdown as Argentina and Egypt face off in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 in Atlanta. The matchup arrives shortly after Salah named Messi as his dream teammate for a career 'last dance'. FOX will broadcast the international clash.

Why it matters: Argentina aims to advance closer to defending its world title. Egypt is looking to capitalize on a historic tournament run after Yasser Ibrahim scored the nation's first-ever goal in a World Cup Round of 16.

By the numbers: Messi enters the contest as the top goalscorer in World Cup history with 19 career goals.

What to watch: The advancing side will await their quarterfinal opponent as the tournament bracket narrows.

Sources

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