BBC Sport described Tuesday's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash between Egypt and Argentina in Atlanta as a meeting between two of football's greatest players, with Lionel Messi set to face Mohamed Salah.
The broadcaster said Messi, 39, has indicated that the 2026 tournament is likely to be his final World Cup, while the 34-year-old Salah still hopes to play in the 2030 edition. It noted that the two stars arrive with contrasting World Cup records.
BBC Sport said Messi enters the match as a World Cup winner, the tournament's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, while Salah has reached the knockout stage for the first time in his second World Cup appearance after helping Egypt qualify for the Round of 16 for the first time.
The report said Salah played a decisive role in Egypt's penalty shootout victory over Australia, converting a Panenka penalty, and is now seeking what could become the defining moment of his World Cup career.
BBC News correspondent Matias Zibell wrote that Argentina is dreaming of winning back-to-back World Cup titles but is also facing growing questions about life after Messi's international retirement. He added that every match brings Argentina closer to another title while also moving the team nearer to the end of Messi's international career.
Zibell said some Argentine journalists believe the national team has once again become overly dependent on Messi, despite coach Lionel Scaloni previously building a side capable of supporting rather than relying solely on its captain.
The report also quoted an Egyptian fan describing Salah as "a source of pride, joy and inspiration," saying his journey from the village of Nagrig to the world's biggest stadiums gives millions of Egyptians hope and that his leadership has united the country during Egypt's World Cup campaign.
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