Mohamed Salah is having the time of his life, and who can blame him? After Egypt's historic penalty shootout victory over Australia in Dallas - where Salah, despite his past shootout woes, stepped up and scored the decisive spot kick - the former Liverpool forward is now eyeing a date with Lionel Messi.

"I decided last minute. I am more experienced than others and I wanted to give them confidence," said Salah, who had missed in Egypt's last two shootouts, including the World Cup qualifying playoff against Senegal four years ago. "I don't know if it's my last World Cup, but I had to do it. Today was one of the best days of my life."

When asked who he'd like to face if this is his swansong, Salah didn't hesitate: "Messi," he said with a smirk. Tuesday's showdown in Atlanta will be their first meeting at international level. They've met twice before in the Champions League - once in 2015 when Salah was at Roma, and again in 2019 when Liverpool lost 3-0 at Camp Nou. Most people remember the incredible 4-0 comeback at Anfield, even if Salah missed it due to a concussion. Jürgen Klopp credited Salah's "Never give up" T-shirt as inspiration.

Egypt will need that self-belief against Lionel Scaloni's world champions, who have lost only five of 100 games under his leadership. But as Egypt's national team director Ibrahim Hassan pointed out, "They might have Messi, but we have Mohamed Salah - and we have 26 Messis of our own."

Concerns linger over Salah's workload after a hamstring strain forced him off against Iran. He was seen strolling in downtown Atlanta with teammates, while Argentina arrived later after a close shave against Cape Verde. Former Argentina forward Sergio Agüero noted, "Many players were suffering from cramps and now you play Egypt, who are also a very physically strong team."

Egypt can take heart from Cape Verde's troubles against Argentina's defence. Teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who plays for Barcelona's B side, is considered Salah's natural successor. Asked about facing Messi, he said: "We're playing against Argentina, not against Messi."

In other news, Moustafa Abozahra of the Egyptian Football Federation announced Salah will remain captain until the 2030 World Cup, though Salah's club future remains uncertain after his Liverpool contract expired. The smart money is on a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League, but a surprise switch to a European heavyweight isn't ruled out. Salah has created more chances than any other player at this World Cup (16) and follows a yoga programme to extend his career. With nothing to lose, Egypt is a threat Argentina won't take lightly.