Mohamed Salah and Lionel Messi: Potential Final World Cup Appearance
Football legends and national icons Mohamed Salah and Lionel Messi may both be participating in their final World Cup. Argentina and Egypt meet in Atlanta on Tuesday at 17:00 BST for a spot in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals. This match also represents a face-off between two of football's greatest players.
Messi, aged 39, and Salah, aged 34, are both in the latter stages of their careers. Messi has indicated this could be his last World Cup, while Salah hopes to continue playing until 2030.
Their World Cup journeys differ significantly. Messi is a World Cup winner and holds records as the tournament's all-time top scorer and appearance maker. He is also joint top scorer in the current tournament.
For Salah, this is his third World Cup with Egypt and his first time reaching the knockout rounds, marking Egypt's debut in the last 16. During his career, Egypt lost the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2017 and 2021. Salah has also been involved in public disputes with the Egyptian Football Association over image rights, travel, and team management.
Despite these challenges, Salah's Panenka penalty secured Egypt's historic shootout win over Australia in the last 32. He aims for Tuesday's match to be his most significant World Cup moment.
'The closer to seeing a loved one leave, the more we miss them'
In Argentina, the term 'bicampeonato' (back-to-back World Cup championship) is frequently mentioned. However, the unspoken question is what will happen when Messi retires.
Each match Argentina plays in this World Cup, including the upcoming game against Egypt, is a step toward a rare achievement only Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962) have accomplished. Yet, every match also brings Argentina closer to the retirement of their greatest football icon and captain, Messi.
Messi's seven goals in this tournament, his records such as playing in his sixth World Cup and scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches, and thrilling games like the one against Cape Verde, have kept the nation focused on the present. Remarkably, Messi performs with the vigor of a 25-year-old despite being 39.
However, it is widely understood that the man who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar and two Copa America titles (Brazil 2021 and United States 2024) is nearing the end of his international career.
Every victory is progress in the tournament and an opportunity to appreciate Messi, who has reached the heights of Diego Maradona in Argentina's football history.
Interestingly, many Argentine sports journalists have criticized the national team for becoming "Messi-dependent" again in this World Cup. One of manager Lionel Scaloni's notable achievements was building a team that complemented Messi rather than relying solely on him.
Before Scaloni, Argentina experienced several heartbreaks: the 2014 World Cup final loss and two Copa America final defeats on penalties in 2015 and 2016. Under Scaloni, this changed.
In the United States tournament, only four of Argentina's 11 goals were not scored by Messi. The main strikers, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez, appear to serve primarily as providers for Messi. Creative midfielders like Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister, who previously contributed offensively, now focus more on defense.
"As in a personal relationship, it seems that the closer we come to seeing a loved one leave, the more we need them."
'He is pride, joy and inspiration'
Salah is more than a footballer; he embodies pride, joy, and inspiration. He motivates millions of Egyptians daily. His journey from a small village in Nagrig to the world's biggest football stadiums instills pride in every Egyptian.
He demonstrates that with dedication and belief, anything is achievable. His influence extends beyond football, offering hope in life itself.
What distinguishes Salah is his character. He remains humble, calm, and respectful regardless of his fame. He never forgets his origins and consistently represents Egypt honorably, earning widespread admiration.
Watching Egypt in the World Cup feels different when Salah is on the field. Egypt's victory over Australia in a penalty shootout united the nation. Hearts raced, families gathered, and the win sparked nationwide celebration. Salah was central to this, leading, inspiring, and instilling confidence.
Egyptians hold deep affection for Salah. He unites people and creates unforgettable moments. When he plays, the entire country supports him with pride and hope.
Personally, Salah inspires strength, patience, and belief. He encourages perseverance and authenticity.
"Salah is not just a football star, he is a symbol of pride for every Egyptian."
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