Salah reshapes Egypt legacy before Argentina World Cup clash
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
ATLANTA, July 7 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Egypt captain Mohamed Salah will face Argentina in Tuesday’s World Cup last-16 match having already delivered a historic breakthrough for his country and reshaped the story of his international career.
Salah led Egypt to the knockout stages for the first time after Friday’s shootout win over Australia, giving the Pharaohs a World Cup success that had long eluded one of Africa’s most football-obsessed nations.
“It’s history,” Salah told reporters after the win.
The 34-year-old forward, who is leaving Liverpool, has scored, provided two assists and created 16 chances in four matches despite carrying a hamstring strain during the tournament.
Against Australia, Salah played all 120 minutes and converted a Panenka penalty in the shootout, before leading celebrations with teammates and supporters.
“I told the boys before the game, ‘Guys, this is the biggest stage you could play in your life. So just enjoy it. Don’t let the pressure get into you and not enjoy the moment,’” Salah said.
Salah’s Egypt career has often been defined by near misses, including a group-stage exit at the 2018 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations final defeats in 2017 and 2021.
He also endured public disputes with the Egyptian Football Association over issues including image rights, travel arrangements and team management.
Whatever happens against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Salah has already secured a place in Egypt’s football history by leading the national team into territory previous generations failed to reach.
