Messi faces Egypt again 21 years after first World Cup goal

Argentina and Colombia are South America's last remaining teams in the 2026 World Cup after Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, and Paraguay were eliminated. Argentina faces Egypt on July 7 in Atlanta, seeking a quarterfinal berth and aiming to defend their 2022 title.

The match carries a significant historical echo for Lionel Messi. While he has never played Egypt's senior team, his first World Cup goal came against them in the 2005 U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands. That tournament ended with Argentina winning the title, and Messi securing the Golden Ball and Golden Boot.

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Although he has never faced Egypt with the senior team, the Argentine captain's first World Cup goal came precisely against the African team during the 2005 U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands.

Twenty-one years later, Messi and Egypt meet again, this time in a World Cup knockout match where Argentina defends the championship. Messi, who often celebrates his birthday during national team duty, leads the current tournament with seven goals, bringing his World Cup total to 20. A win would also see him extend his record for most World Cup appearances.

Egypt, meanwhile, aims for another African upset. They advanced by defeating Cape Verde in extra time. The team relies on tactical discipline, strong defense, and the offensive prowess of Mohamed Salah. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals, keeping their championship hopes alive.

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With seven goals, he leads the tournament's top scorers list and extended his historic World Cup record to 20 goals, consolidating himself as the tournament's all-time top scorer.