The 2026 World Cup stage is set for a compelling matchup between two footballing titans, Lionel Messi of Argentina and Mohamed Salah of Egypt, as they vie for a quarter-final spot. Both players, at 39 and 34 respectively, are in the twilight of their illustrious careers, with Messi hinting at this being his final World Cup appearance. Messi, a World Cup winner, leads the tournament in scoring and appearances, while Salah navigates his third World Cup, reaching the knockout stages for the first time with Egypt.