Mohamed Salah has made it clear which football icon he would choose to share a final World Cup “last dance” with, naming Lionel Messi ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Harry Kane just days before Egypt’s blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 meeting with defending champions Argentina.The knockout clash, scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, at Atlanta Stadium, will be the first World Cup meeting between Salah and Messi and only the third time the two modern greats have faced each other in their careers. The winner will advance to the quarter-finals, where they will meet either Colombia or Switzerland, with Egypt chasing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament against the reigning world champions.
Salah chooses Messi for football’s final World Cup chapter
The 2026 World Cup is widely expected to be the final appearance on football’s biggest stage for several members of one of the sport’s greatest generations.At 39, Messi continues to lead Argentina’s title defence, while Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Luka Modrić and Salah himself are all regarded as players unlikely to feature at another World Cup.Following Egypt’s dramatic Round of 32 victory over Australia on penalties, Salah was asked by reporters which player he would choose for a shared “last dance” from a group that included Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar and Harry Kane.The Egypt captain did not hesitate.“Messi,” Salah replied with a smile, making his preference immediately clear.The question did not specify whether the “last dance” referred to playing alongside someone or simply sharing one final World Cup journey. Regardless of the interpretation. Nevertheless, Salah’s answer left little room for doubt over which player he most wanted alongside him for this closing chapter.Ironically, that wish will now become reality almost immediately.
Argentina and Egypt set for first-ever World Cup meeting
Salah’s Egypt will now face Messi’s Argentina in one of the standout ties of the Round of 16.Argentina secured their place after surviving a major scare against Cape Verde, eventually prevailing 3-2 after extra time in a match that pushed Lionel Scaloni’s side to the limit.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) scores their first goal against Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Fla., Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
The dramatic victory ensured the defending champions remained alive in their pursuit of consecutive World Cup titles, but it also exposed vulnerabilities that Egypt will hope to exploit.The Pharaohs arrive with confidence after overcoming Australia in a penalty shootout to reach the knockout stages, setting up what will be the first competitive meeting between the two nations at a FIFA World Cup.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah (10) scores a penalty in a shootout in the World Cup round of 32 soccer match against Australia in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Victory would send either side into the quarter-finals, where Colombia or Switzerland await.
Messi and Salah renew a rare rivalry
Although both have spent more than a decade among football’s elite, Messi and Salah have met only twice previously.Both encounters came in the UEFA Champions League while representing former clubs.The first was a 1-1 group-stage draw during the 2015-16 season, when Salah played for Roma against Messi’s Barcelona.Their second meeting came in the first leg of the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final at Camp Nou. Messi produced one of his finest European performances, scoring twice as Barcelona defeated Liverpool 3-0 before Jurgen Klopp’s side famously overturned the deficit at Anfield to reach the final.The upcoming encounter in Atlanta will therefore be their third meeting overall and their first wearing national team colours, with a World Cup quarter-final place at stake.
Messi continues to lead Golden Boot race as Salah eyes biggest upset
Messi enters the contest in outstanding form.The Argentina captain scored his seventh goal of the 2026 World Cup against Cape Verde, maintaining his place among the tournament’s leading scorers while extending his all-time World Cup record to 20 career goals.He remains one of the defining figures of the competition despite approaching his 40th birthday and continues his pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles after leading Argentina to glory in Qatar four years earlier.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi looks on during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match against Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Fla., Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Salah, meanwhile, carries Egypt’s hopes into what promises to be their toughest examination of the tournament. He also stands as Egypt’s all-time World Cup scorer with three goals, having netted twice at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and adding a crucial third against New Zealand during the 2026 World Cup group stage. The Liverpool forward now has the opportunity to fulfil the wish he expressed after defeating Australia, sharing the stage with Messi in what could represent the final World Cup appearance for two of football’s modern icons. Whether that “last dance” ends with another chapter in Messi’s remarkable career or one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 tournament will be decided when Egypt and Argentina meet in Atlanta with a place in the quarter-finals on the line.
