ATLANTA (special envoy).— The World Cup party continues and Argentina returns to the stage. This Tuesday at 1:00 PM, the Albiceleste face Egypt in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at the imposing Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. With Lionel Messi as the standard-bearer and Leandro Paredes confirmed in the starting lineup by Lionel Scaloni, the team of everyone looks to take another step toward glory.
The Argentine coach was emphatic in the press conference: “Yes, Leandro is available. He will play.” The news came as a cold shower for those speculating about changes, but it revs up the engines of a fan base that promises to be massive. An estimated 45,000 Argentine fans will arrive in Atlanta, many from Miami, where on Friday the team eliminated Cape Verde in a match that left more questions than answers.
And the path has not been easy. Argentina overcame four hurdles to reach the round of 16, and although the victory over Cape Verde in extra time secured the pass, the performance left gray areas. “If the team does not improve its creative circuits, its collective combinations beyond what Messi can invent, it will maintain the degree of difficulty,” analysts say. It is not enough to rely on the gaps the opponent offers; they must be exploited.
Egypt, for its part, is not here to sightsee. Houssam Hassam’s side plays a 4-2-3-1 and does not hesitate to attack. They showed it against Belgium, New Zealand, Iran, and Australia. In the match against the Oceanians, they even switched to a back three to free up the wing-backs. “They didn’t come to watch the World Cup, but to play it,” summarize the special envoys.
Messi, meanwhile, continues writing his history in the United States. This will be his 27th match with the blue and white on North American soil, a figure that even surpasses the 23 times he played in Brazil. “The emperor of soccer” has made this country his second home, literally. And with each appearance, the magic seems to renew itself.
Atlanta authorities are already preparing for the flood of fans. Police warned: do not try to sneak onto the field, as happened in Dallas, because it is a crime punishable by prison and could cost you your visa. But the expectation is enormous. About 10,000 Argentines live in the area, and the city is expected to dress in light blue and white.
The match can be watched live on TyC Sports, DSports, Telefe, TV Pública, Disney+ Premium, and Paramount+. And keep an eye on the horizon: if Argentina beats Egypt, they will face the winner of Switzerland vs. Colombia in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 PM (Argentine time) at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. But first, they must win. And in Atlanta, the dream is alive.
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Para mí Messi va a romperla contra Egipto y estos faraones de cuarta van a llorar como siempre. Paredes titular bien metido a pisarlos. A estos africanos no les da ni para calentar el banco son unos muertos. Vamos Argentina carajo!
Para mí Messi la va a romper otra vez. Egipto? Unos terroristas del fútbol, ni la bomba nuclear los salva. Argentina carajo, vamos a masacrarlos en Atlanta, como siempre, con la pasión de la patria. Viva la selección, viva la derecha, a cagarlos a goles!