Mohamed Salah has made it clear which football icon he will choose to share the “final dance” of the World Cup, naming Lionel Messi ahead of Cristiano RonaldoNeymar is Harry Kane just a few days before Egypt will face defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.The knockout clash, scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, at the Atlanta Stadium, will be the first World Cup meeting between Salah and Messi and only the third time that the two modern giants have met in their careers. The winners will advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face either Colombia or Switzerland, with Egypt chasing one of the tournament’s biggest challenges against the reigning world champions.
Salah chooses Messi for the final title of the World Cup
The 2026 World Cup is expected to be the final on football’s biggest stage for several members of the sport’s greatest generations.At the age of 39, Messi continues to lead Argentina’s defense, while Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Luka Modrić and Salah himself are seen as players unlikely to appear at another World Cup.Following Egypt’s stunning victory in the Round of 32 against Australia on penalties, Salah was asked by the media which player he would choose to share the “last dance” in a group that includes Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar and Harry Kane.The Egyptian captain did not hesitate.“Messi,” replied Salah with a smile, making his intentions clear.The question did not specify whether the “final dance” meant playing with another person or simply sharing the final World Cup tour. Regardless of interpretation. However, Salah’s response left no doubt as to which player is the most sought-after player for this final title.Surprisingly, that wish will soon come true.
Argentina and Egypt prepare for the first meeting of the World Cup
Egypt’s Salah will now face Messi and Argentina in one of the most famous matches in the Round of 16.Argentina secured their place after surviving a huge scare against Cape Verde, later winning 3-2 after extra time in a game that pushed Lionel Scaloni’s side over the edge.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) scores his first goal against Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha (1) during the 32nd World Cup soccer match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Fla., Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
The stunning victory kept the defending champions alive in their quest for back-to-back World Cup titles, but it also exposed weaknesses that Egypt hope to exploit.The Pharaohs arrive with confidence after beating Australia on penalties to reach the quarter-finals, setting up the first competitive meeting between the two nations in the tournament. FIFA World Cup.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah (10) scores a penalty during the 32nd World Cup shootout against Australia in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
A win would send both sides into the quarterfinals, where Colombia or Switzerland await.
Messi and Salah have rekindled a rare rivalry
Despite both having more than a decade as footballers, Messi and Salah have only met twice before.All these meetings came in the UEFA Champions League and represented the former clubs.The first was a 1-1 group draw in the 2015-16 season, when Salah played for Roma against Messi’s Barcelona.Their second meeting took place in the first leg of the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final at Camp Nou. Messi had his best performance in Europe, scoring twice as Barcelona beat Liverpool 3-0 before Jurgen Klopp’s side were able to overturn the remainder of the season at Anfield to reach the final.The upcoming meeting in Atlanta will be their third meeting and the first to wear the colors of the national team, with the final place in the World Cup at stake.
Messi continues to lead Golden Boot competition Salah’s eyes were very sad
Messi enters the tournament in good form.The Argentina captain scored his seventh goal of the 2026 World Cup against Cape Verde, remaining one of the tournament’s top scorers while extending his all-time World Cup tally to 20 goals.He remains one of the tournament’s greats despite approaching his 40th birthday and continues to chase 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 in what promises to be their toughest test of the competition. He is Egypt’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup with three goals, having scored twice at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and adding the crucial third against New Zealand in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Liverpool star now has the chance to live up to his promise after defeating Australia, sharing a role with Messi in what could represent the final World Cup appearance for two of today’s greatest footballers. Whether the “last dance” ends with another chapter of Messi’s amazing career or one of the biggest surprises in the 2026 tournament will be decided when Egypt and Argentina meet in Atlanta with a place in the quarterfinals on the line.