Lionel Messi (AP Photo)Lionel Messi is expected to start for Argentina in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Egypt on Tuesday, July 7, at Atlanta Stadium. The Argentine captain has no major injury concerns ahead of the knockout fixture and is set to lead the defending champions as they continue their title defence.The 39-year-old has been one of the standout performers of the tournament. Messi has delivered match-winning displays throughout Argentina’s unbeaten campaign and remains among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot. His presence in the starting XI gives Argentina a major boost as they look to reach the quarter-finals.Lionel Messi FIFA World Cup 2026 performances so farLionel Messi has enjoyed another outstanding FIFA World Cup campaign. The Argentine captain has scored seven goals in four matches and is level with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot.He began the tournament with a hat-trick against Algeria before scoring twice against Austria. Messi was rested at the start of Argentina’s Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde but came off the bench to score a late free-kick as the defending champions secured a dramatic extra-time victory.His performances have helped Argentina win all four matches at the tournament. Messi has also continued rewriting football history. He became the all-time leading men’s World Cup goalscorer with 19 career goals and extended his remarkable scoring streak in the competition. The World Cup winner has also become one of the few players to feature in six different FIFA World Cups.Lionel Messi’s FIFA World Cup 2026 statsCategoryStatsMatches Played4Goals7Assists0Golden Boot PositionJoint 1stCareer World Cup Goals19FIFA World Cup Appearances6 tournamentsWhy Argentina vs. Egypt FIFA World Cup 2026 R16 match matters so muchThe Round of 16 encounter is one of the biggest matches of Argentina’s campaign so far. A victory would move the defending champions into the quarter-finals and keep alive their dream of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.Messi will once again be the centre of attention. Every appearance and every goal adds another chapter to his legendary international career. The Argentina captain has already broken several World Cup records during this tournament and will look to extend his incredible run against Egypt.Argentina will next face a confident Egyptian side led by Mohamed Salah. The Pharaohs have already exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stage and eliminating Australia on penalties in the previous round. Their disciplined defence and counter-attacking style could make life difficult for Lionel Scaloni’s side.For Argentina, progressing to the quarter-finals would bring them one step closer to retaining the trophy. For Egypt, defeating the reigning world champions would become the greatest result in the country’s football history. With Messi expected to lead the attack and Salah aiming to inspire another upset, fans can expect an exciting contest in Georgia.