Messi vs Salah: Argentina face Egypt as Messi eyes second World Cup

Lionel Messi takes the field tonight against Egypt as Argentina chase a second World Cup. Mohamed Salah’s Egypt stand in their way after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Australia. Argentina began their knockout phase with an unconvincing 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde, a result that left coach Lionel Scaloni’s side under pressure. The match saw Argentina hang on after trailing 3-0, a late collapse that has raised questions ahead of tonight’s last-16 tie. Messi, aged 39, shares the top-scorer accolade with seven goals alongside Erling Haaland of Norway and Kylian Mbappé of France. His goal tally keeps Argentina’s World Cup hopes alive as he bids to defend the title won four years ago.

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Egypt made history by beating Australia on penalties to reach the last 16 for the first time. The Faraonic side now aim to become only the fifth African nation to reach the quarter-finals. Salah, who endured a difficult final season at Liverpool, will be eager to prove his worth. Later tonight, Switzerland face Colombia in Vancouver at 22:00. Both teams topped their groups and remain unbeaten, but uncertainty looms over Switzerland’s lineup. The availability of Johan Manzambi, Djibril Sow and Rubén Vargas is in doubt, with Manzambi’s absence a particular blow after his three-goal contribution so far.

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Colombia’s James Rodríguez and Rubén Díaz lead their attack, while Switzerland’s form has been built on solidity and organisation. The match kicks off at 22:00 local time, rounding off a night of high-stakes World Cup football.