Argentina have named a formidable starting XI for their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Egypt, with captain Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez leading the attack in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated knockout fixtures.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni has opted for a strong lineup, with Emiliano Martínez starting in goal behind a back four of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Tagliafico. The midfield features Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Paredes, providing a blend of creativity, control and experience ahead of the attacking duo of Messi and Álvarez.
Argentina will be looking to continue their march towards another World Cup title, relying on the experience of Messi and the clinical finishing of Álvarez to break down a resilient Egyptian side.
Egypt, however, have shown throughout the tournament that they are capable of upsetting the odds. The Pharaohs will once again look to their talisman and captain, Mohamed Salah, who leads the attack alongside Hassan. Behind them, Zico, Ashour, Lashin and Attia will be tasked with providing the creativity and defensive stability needed to contain Argentina’s star-studded lineup.
The Egyptian starting XI comprises Shobeir in goal; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim and Hafez in defence; Ashour, Lashin and Attia in midfield; with Zico supporting the attacking pair of Salah and Hassan.
𝗔𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗫𝗜:
E. Martínez; Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister, Paredes; Álvarez, Messi.
𝗘𝗴𝘆𝗽𝘁 𝗫𝗜:
Shobeir; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hafez; Ashour, Lashin, Attia; Zico, Salah; Hassan.
With a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals at stake, fans around the world are expecting an entertaining encounter between two talented sides. While Argentina enter the contest as favourites, Egypt will be determined to produce another memorable performance and keep their World Cup dream alive.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Accra Daily Mail, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
