The 2026 FIFA World Cup enters a decisive stage for South America. With the eliminations of Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador and Paraguay, the teams of Argentina and Colombia were left as the only representatives of Conmebol in the round of 16.
In this context, the Albiceleste faces a demanding match against Egypt this Tuesday, July 7, at the Atlanta Stadium, where they seek a place in the quarterfinals and keep alive the defense of the title won in Qatar 2022.
The match also brings together a curious precedent in Lionel Messi’s career.
Although he has never faced Egypt with the senior team, the Argentine captain’s first goal in a World Cup came precisely against the African team during the 2005 U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands.
That June 14, Messi scored in the 47th minute in the Argentine victory and began a tournament that would end with the conquest of the title, in addition to the Ballon d’Or and the Golden Boot for the then youth from Rosario.
Twenty-one years later, both meet again in a completely different scenario: a World Cup qualifier with Argentina defending the championship.
Messi arrives as top scorer of the tournament
The Argentine captain faces the match as one of the great protagonists of the World Cup.
With seven goals, he leads the tournament’s scoring table and extended his historical record in World Cups to 20 goals, establishing himself as the top scorer in the history of the competition.
Furthermore, if he participates against Egypt, he will extend his record as the player with the most games played in the history of the World Cup.
Egypt seeks another African surprise
Argentina arrives after beating Cape Verde in a demanding match that was resolved in extra time.
Now they will face an Egyptian team that has built its campaign on tactical order, defensive solidity and the experience of Mohamed Salah as the main offensive reference.
The winner will advance to the quarterfinals and keep alive the goal of continuing in the fight for the world title.