Lionel Messi, Argentina vs. Mo Salah, Egypt Top Storylines, Odds, Live Stream for World Cup 2026
Lionel Messi and Argentina need to turn in a much better performance in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup than they did in the round of 32.
Argentina almost lost to Cape Verde in a wild back-and-forth affair that no one expected the reigning World Cup champion to be dragged into.
The Albiceleste's opponent on Tuesday is Mohamed Salah and Egypt.
Egypt also played 120 minutes in the round of 32. The only difference is Egypt won on penalties against Australia.
The good news for both sides is that Tuesday's match in Atlanta will be played under a roof and not outside in the oppressive heat that has affected most of the United States.
Match Info and Odds
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Date: Tuesday, July 7
Start Time: Noon ET
TV: Fox
Live Stream: Fox One or FoxSports.com
To Qualify For Next Round: Argentina (-750; bet $750 to win $100); Egypt (+500; bet $100 to win $500)
90-Minute Money Line: Argentina (-280); Egypt (+580); Draw (+380)
How Will Argentina Respond After Lackluster Round of 32 Performance?
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Argentina was capable of putting a much better product on the field than it did against Cape Verde.
It felt like the Albiceleste underestimated the African side and just how tough its defensive structure was to break down.
Lionel Messi and Co. still found a way to advance, which is the most important thing, but to repeat as champion, they need to be sharper in all facets of the game.
That starts with Messi, Lautaro Martinez and the other attackers. Argentina needs to be crisper in the final third to break down Egypt's back line quicker and with more ferocity.
Egypt is a team that Argentina would typically beat by multiple goals. It needs to flex its top-tier talent and prove that it should be considered one of the favorites to win the World Cup.
Many people thought France and Argentina were on a collision course for another final.
While that still may be the case, Argentina needs to play a better brand of soccer to fulfill that prediction.
Egypt's Success Runs Through Mo Salah
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This is a game where Mo Salah needs to take over and put Argentina's back line under duress.
Salah is Egypt's best player and top difference-maker. He either needs to score, or set up significant chances that lead to shots on goal or a goal.
All of the other big names have stepped up for their countries, including Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
For Egypt to pull off the shock upset in Atlanta, Salah has to be at his best.
Egypt's back line also has to play well to contain the Messi threat, but it also needs to score at least once to advance.
An early goal would be ideal so that the pressure really shifts to Argentina, but regardless of timing, Egypt can't just sit back. It needs to make some runs at the Argentina back line and find the holes that Cape Verde found on its two goals.
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