Mohamed Salah made it clear which football icon he will choose to share a final “last dance” at the World Cup, naming Lionel Messi ahead of: Cristiano RonaldoNeymar and: Harry Kane a few 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 the 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 face Colombia or Switzerland, where Egypt will be chasing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament against the reigning world champions.
Salah chose Messi for the final chapter of the World Cup in football
The 2026 World Cup is widely expected to be the final appearance on football’s biggest stage for many members of one of the game’s greatest generations.At the age of 39, Messi continues to lead Argentina’s title defense, while Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Luka Modrić and Salah himself are all considered players unlikely to feature in another World Cup.After Egypt’s dramatic Round of 32 win over Australia on penalties, Salah was asked by reporters which player he would pick for a shared “last dance” from a group that included Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar and Harry Kane.The Egyptian captain did not hesitate.“Messi,” replied Salah with a smile, immediately explaining what he wanted.The question does not specify whether the “last dance” refers to playing with someone or just sharing a final World Cup journey. Regardless of interpretation. However, Salah’s response leaves little room for doubt as to which player he wants alongside him for this closing chapter.Amazingly, that wish can now come true almost immediately.
Argentina and Egypt are set for their first World Cup meeting
Salah’s Egypt will now face Messi’s Argentina in one of the most interesting ties of the Round of 16.Argentina secured their place after surviving a huge scare against Cape Verde, who eventually prevailed 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 win ensured the defending champions kept their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles alive, but it also exposed the weaknesses Egypt will hope to exploit.The Pharaohs arrive full of confidence after beating Australia in a penalty shootout to reach the knockout stages, setting up what will be the first competitive meeting between the two nations in a FIFA World Cup.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah (10) scores a penalty during 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)
A win would send each side into the quarter-finals, where either Colombia or Switzerland await.
Messi and Salah have developed a unique rivalry
Although both have spent more than a decade among football’s elite, Messi and Salah have only met twice before.Both encounters came in the UEFA Champions League while representing former clubs.The first was the 1-1 group stage draw in the 2015-16 season, when Salah played for Roma against Messi at Barcelona.Their second meeting took place in the first leg of the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final at Camp Nou. Messi produced one of his best performances in Europe, scoring twice as Barcelona beat Liverpool 3-0 before Jurgen Klopp’s side overturned the deficit at Anfield to reach the final.So the upcoming meeting in Atlanta will be their third meeting overall and their first wearing the colors of the national team, with a quarter-final place in the World Cup at stake.
Messi continues to lead Golden Boot race because Salah was angry
Messi entered the competition 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 top 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 ago.
Lionel Messi of Argentina 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 tournament. He also stands as Egypt’s all-time World Cup scorer with three goals, netting twice at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and adding a crucial third against New Zealand in the 2026 World Cup group stage. The Liverpool forward now has the chance to fulfill the dream he expressed after beating 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 in another chapter of Messi’s extraordinary 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.