Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah are set to face off in a rare World Cup encounter that carries significant implications for their respective national teams. The match, scheduled for today under the distinctive domed roof of one of the tournament’s most modern stadiums, marks only the third time these two football icons will share the pitch, with both countries fighting to remain in the competition.
Messi, at 39, remains a central figure for Argentina as he pursues further legacy-defining achievements late in his career. Salah, 34, is Egypt’s leading player and faces the challenge of guiding his nation deeper into the World Cup than ever before. Despite their prominence in global football over the past decade, the two stars have seldom met in competitive play.
Their first encounter occurred during the 2015-16 UEFA Champions League group stage when Salah’s Roma drew 1-1 at home against Barcelona, then the reigning champions led by Messi. Four years later, the pair crossed paths again, this time during Salah’s tenure at Liverpool. However, Salah was sidelined due to injury during the famed Liverpool comeback victory over Messi’s Barcelona in the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final second leg—a match that helped Liverpool secure a spot in the final and ultimately win the trophy.
Since Messi’s transfer to Major League Soccer, the likelihood of club-level meetings has diminished, making this World Cup clash all the more notable. Both players acknowledge the significance of this moment. Following Egypt’s penalty shootout win over Australia, Salah was asked which opponent he would prefer for a career-defining match, and he cited Messi without hesitation. “I don’t know if it’s going to be the last dance for a few great players or not, but my feeling is incredible,” Salah said with a smile.
Messi, known for his measured appreciation of great players, described Salah as “the best” among many notable African talents he has encountered, emphasizing the Egyptian’s special qualities on the field. The Argentine’s experience in World Cup knockout stages is extensive, but the encounter with Salah adds a unique dimension to this round of the tournament.
Both players command significant respect within their national teams, serving as leaders whose skill and presence remain integral to their squads’ ambitions. Argentina will rely heavily on Messi’s veteran prowess, while Egypt looks to Salah to inspire and deliver on one of the sport’s biggest stages. This meeting not only highlights the enduring excellence of two football icons but also represents a rare and compelling chapter in World Cup history.