Match preview: Argentina vs Egypt

Argentina will continue their FIFA World Cup campaign with a last-16 meeting against Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday, with Lionel Messi once again chasing another place in tournament history. The reigning champions progressed after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cape Verde, where they twice let their advantage disappear before Cristian Romero’s late header, helped by a deflection off Diney Borges, secured qualification.

Messi opened the scoring in that contest, taking his tally for the tournament to seven goals. He became the first footballer to score at least seven times in two separate World Cups, although Kylian Mbappé later matched that achievement by converting the decisive penalty in France’s victory over Paraguay. Erling Haaland has also reached seven goals in his debut World Cup after scoring twice against Brazil to send Norway into the quarter-finals against England.

Victory over Egypt would also keep alive Argentina’s pursuit of another landmark. Having scored at least twice in each of their previous 10 World Cup matches, they could equal Uruguay’s run from 1930 to 1954 by finding the net at least two times in 11 consecutive games.

Argentina chasing more records

Messi has another individual target within reach. A goal against Egypt would see him join Guillermo Stabile as the only Argentine player to score eight goals at a single World Cup. It would also make him just the sixth player to score in each of his country’s opening five matches at one edition of the tournament, alongside Just Fontaine, Jairzinho, Gerd Müller, Rivaldo, and James Rodríguez.

Argentina’s demanding schedule has created fitness concerns ahead of the knockout tie. The exhausting conditions in Miami, combined with the limited recovery time, have left Lionel Scaloni hoping his squad can regain full strength before Tuesday’s encounter.

Facundo Medina was forced off with a severe cramp against Cape Verde, while Enzo Fernández and Nicolás González both battled through the closing stages despite physical problems after Argentina had used all of their substitutions. Scaloni admitted his side had little choice but to defend deep during the closing minutes.

“We had no substitutions left near the end, several players suffered from cramps, and we simply had to defend with everything we had,” Scaloni said. “When you’re not at your best, you have to protect the result. Advancing was what mattered most, and now we’ll work on correcting our mistakes.”

Last 5 Argentina matches stats

Egypt looking to continue impressive run

Egypt secured their place in the last 16 after overcoming Australia on penalties following a 1-1 draw. Their success ensured they remained unbeaten in the competition and moved them one victory away from becoming only the fifth African nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals after Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana, and Morocco.

Although Egypt have allowed nine goals across their previous six World Cup fixtures, they have also found the net eight times during that stretch. If they both score and concede again against Argentina, they will become only the second African side after Ghana to do so in seven consecutive World Cup matches.

Mohamed Salah entered the Australia game carrying a hamstring issue, creating uncertainty over his availability. Despite that concern, the forward completed all 120 minutes and confidently converted a chipped penalty during the shootout.

Salah has also been one of the tournament’s leading creators, producing 16 chances so far. Two more against Argentina would see him equal Kevin-Prince Boateng’s African World Cup record of 18, set with Ghana in 2010. Should Egypt eliminate Argentina, they will face either Colombia or Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

Last 5 Egypt matches stats

Previous meetings and notable statistics

Argentina and Egypt have never previously met at a World Cup. Their most recent encounter came in a friendly in Cairo in 2008, when Argentina recorded a 2-0 victory through goals from Sergio Agüero and Nicolás Burdisso, while Messi was unavailable because of injury.

The South American side has also enjoyed an impressive run against African opposition at the World Cup, winning each of its last eight such matches. Two of those victories have already come during the current tournament against Algeria and Cape Verde.

No nation has ever defeated three African opponents during the same World Cup edition. Argentina has the opportunity to establish that record if they overcome Egypt and continue their march through the knockout rounds.

Past H2H Results

Prediction and expected outcome

Argentina enter this match as clear favourites due to their recent World Cup success, attacking quality, and Lionel Messi’s outstanding form throughout the tournament. Lionel Scaloni’s side have shown strong goalscoring consistency, finding the net at least twice in their last 10 World Cup matches, while their experience in high-pressure knockout games gives them a significant advantage. Egypt, however, has already shown resilience by reaching the last 16 unbeaten and possesses enough attacking threat through Mohamed Salah to trouble Argentina’s defence. The Pharaohs are capable of making the match difficult with their organization, discipline, and ability to compete in tight encounters. The most likely scenario is Argentina controlling possession and creating more chances, while Egypt focuses on defensive structure and quick counter-attacks. Argentina’s individual quality and greater tournament experience should eventually prove decisive, but Egypt has the tools to make the contest competitive.

Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Egypt

Expected outcome: A narrow Argentina victory that sends them into the quarter-finals, with Messi continuing his impressive World Cup campaign. Egypt are likely to provide a strong challenge and could threaten on the break, but Argentina’s attacking depth and big-game experience should help them secure progression. While Argentina are the favourites, Egypt’s unbeaten run means a surprise result cannot be completely ruled out.