Salah and Lionel Messi have crossed paths only twice at club level, both in the Champions League. Their most memorable meeting came when Messi scored twice for Barcelona against Salah’s Liverpool in the first leg of the 2018-19 semi-final before Liverpool produced a famous comeback at Anfield.
This time, the stage is different. Neither player will be able to rely on club-mates or a second leg. It will be their first meeting while representing their countries - and potentially one of the final World Cup appearances for two defining figures of their generation.
Argentina reached the tie with a 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde, but the defending champions were pushed throughout. That performance may encourage Egypt, particularly if they can force Argentina into another uncomfortable knockout contest.
Egypt’s route was equally demanding. They eliminated Australia on penalties, with Salah converting during the shootout to help set up one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.
Argentina will still start as the more experienced side on this stage, with Messi entering the match among the tournament’s leading scorers. Egypt’s hopes rest heavily on Salah’s ability to threaten in transition, create chances and deliver when the pressure peaks.
Salah’s choice of Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Harry Kane framed the fixture as more than a tactical battle. It is a meeting of two captains whose careers have been defined by consistency, influence and extraordinary expectations.
The winner will face Colombia or Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Before that, the spotlight belongs to Atlanta - and to the first World Cup chapter between Salah and Messi.