Messi v Salah at the World Cup 2026: on Tuesday in Atlanta (17:00 BST), Argentina face Egypt for a place in the quarter-finals, and England have every reason to watch closely. The winner lands in the same half of the draw as the Three Lions and could become their quarter-final opponent. Messi, 39, is likely playing his final World Cup; Salah, 34, still dreams of 2030. Only one of these icons goes through.
Why this tie matters directly to England
The winner of Argentina v Egypt moves into the same section of the draw as England. Put simply, if the Three Lions come through their own last-16 tie, a quarter-final against Messi or Salah becomes a genuine possibility. England’s staff will be studying this game intently.
Facing Argentina, the reigning world champions, is a very different task from meeting an Egypt side driven by Salah. Argentina lean on a settled collective; Egypt live off the brilliance of their Liverpool star. Two contrasting threats for England’s back line to plan for.
Messi, the legend at the summit of the World Cup
Messi arrives at this last-16 tie as the World Cup’s all-time top scorer, its record appearance maker and joint top scorer of this edition. At 39, he is carrying Argentina and has already suggested 2026 will be his final World Cup dance.
For England, that profile is the worst kind of opponent: a player capable of deciding a match with a single moment. Should the Three Lions meet Argentina, they will need to smother the space around the number 10 without leaving themselves exposed.
Salah, the Egyptian danger England must respect
Salah, 34, embodies Egypt’s ambitions almost single-handedly. His pace, his left-footed finishing and his instinct in the final third make him a feared opponent, even against elite defences like England’s.
If Egypt knock out Argentina, they will reach the quarters with the momentum of a shock result and sky-high belief. England would then need to be especially alert to quick transitions, the forward’s favourite hunting ground.
FAQ
When is the Messi v Salah match?
Argentina v Egypt takes place on Tuesday in Atlanta at 17:00 BST, in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
Could the winner face England?
Yes. The winner sits in the same half of the draw as England and could be the Three Lions’ quarter-final opponent if both sides progress.
Is this Messi’s last World Cup?
Lionel Messi, 39, has hinted that the 2026 World Cup will be his last. Salah, 34, is still hoping to feature at the 2030 tournament.
Who are the favourites between Argentina and Egypt?
Argentina, the reigning world champions with an experienced core, start as favourites, but Salah’s Egypt are more than capable of causing an upset.
Why does this game matter to England fans?
Because the winner becomes a potential quarter-final opponent for England, making it a must-watch tie for supporters of the Three Lions.
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