Lionel Messi (foto: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi and Argentina face Egypt in the World Cup Round of 16, while Colombia meet Switzerland for the final place in the quarter-finals.
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The final two places in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals will be decided tonight, with Argentina, Egypt, Switzerland and Colombia all dreaming of extending their campaigns.
The spotlight will inevitably fall on Lionel Messi, who continues to write the final great chapter of one of football's greatest careers. Following the eliminations of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, Messi is now the last remaining global icon still competing for the biggest prize in world football.
Argentina vs Egypt
(Round of 16), Atlanta
Argentina enters the match as favourites, but Lionel Scaloni's side know there is no room for complacency. Their narrow victory over Cape Verde earlier in the tournament showed that reputation alone is not enough at this World Cup.
Egypt has already made history by reaching the Round of 16 and will believe they have the quality to produce another upset. Much of their hope rests on Mohamed Salah, whose international career is also approaching its final chapters. Like Messi, the Liverpool star is chasing the one major trophy missing from his remarkable career.
Argentina have been managing several injury concerns involving Nahuel Molina, Enzo Fernández and Facundo Medina, although all three are expected to be available. Egypt welcome back experienced midfielder Mohanad Lasheen after he served a suspension.
Probable line-ups
Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Thiago Almada.
Egypt: Shobeir; Mohamed Hany, Fathy, Ibrahim, Rabia; Ashour, Mohanad Lasheen, Ateya, Ziko; Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush.
Switzerland vs Colombia
(Round of 16), Vancouver
The final Round of 16 match promises to be one of the most evenly balanced contests of the tournament.
Colombia arrive in outstanding form, winning five of their last six matches while drawing the other. Luis Díaz has been one of the standout performers of the World Cup and remains the South Americans' biggest attacking threat.
Switzerland, meanwhile, has quietly impressed throughout the competition. Their disciplined performances have carried them into the knockout stage, while young midfielder Johan Manzambi has emerged as one of the revelations of the tournament. Another outstanding display would strengthen his chances of being named the competition's best young player.
Probable line-ups
Switzerland: Gregor Kobel; Denis Zakaria, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodríguez; Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler; Dan Ndoye, Johan Manzambi, Ruben Vargas; Breel Embolo.
Colombia: Kevin Mier Vargas; Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Jhon Arias, Gustavo Puerta; James Rodríguez, Luis Suárez, Luis Díaz.
By the end of the night, the 2026 World Cup quarter-final lineup will be complete, and Lionel Messi's quest for another world title will either continue or come to a dramatic end.