Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah are set to clash as Argentina faces Egypt on Tuesday at 17:00 BST for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals. This match not only showcases two of football's greatest players but also marks a significant moment in their contrasting World Cup journeys.

Messi, now 39, has hinted that this could be his final World Cup appearance. He already holds remarkable records as the tournament's all-time top scorer and appearance maker, and he is currently joint top scorer this summer. In contrast, Salah, at 34, is experiencing his first knockout round in his third World Cup, following a history of near misses with Egypt, including two Africa Cup of Nations finals losses.

For Salah, the highlight of this tournament came when his Panenka penalty propelled Egypt past Australia in the last 32, making history for the national team. As the two players prepare for their encounter, the focus remains on whether Messi can lead his team to a back-to-back championship, a feat achieved only by Italy and Brazil.

Messi's incredible performance in this tournament has sparked discussions about his impending retirement. Each match not only represents progress towards glory but also serves as a poignant reminder of Messi's eventual departure from the pitch. Despite criticisms that the Argentine national team has become overly dependent on him, manager Lionel Scaloni has worked to build a team that complements Messi's talents.

As Argentina continues its campaign, the question remains: how will they cope without their greatest icon when the time comes? Every victory brings both excitement and nostalgia, as fans cherish each moment with their football legend.