ShareArgentina and Egypt go head-to-head in the World Cup Last 16 on Tuesday as the reigning champions look to go one step further in retaining their title. By Matt SmithLionel Scaloni‘s side were given a huge scare last time out after being taken to extra time by Cape Verde. It was undoubtedly Argentina’s poorest performance of the World Cup so far, but they did manage to get over the line. Egypt came through the round of 32 by defeating Australia on penalties, which was their third draw (in regular time) of the tournament. They’ll need to step it up a gear if they want to beat Argentina here. They are preparing for the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in 92 years. Team newsPlaying for over two hours against Cape Verde may have taken out of a large number of the Argentine squad, and Nico González could miss out as he’s a doubt. Facundo Medina was forced off against Cape Verde, and he was unable to train the next day, so it’ll be interesting to see if he can make it. Egypt defender Karim Hafez was also substituted due to injury in their previous match, but there is a chance he’ll be available for this one. Mohamed Abdelmonem and Ahmed Fatouh both missed the game against Australia, so they are doubts for this game. Tight defence and MessiArgentina have been one of the best defensive sides in the tournament so far, conceding just 2.1 expected goals. Scaloni’s side haven’t created chances at will, but having a player of Lionel Messi’s ability has dragged them over the line. Messi has scored seven goals from just four expected goals during the tournament, showing how he can create magic out of nothing. Remaining tight at the back and allowing Messi to do his thing in the final third has been a winning formula so far, and they’ll be hoping to repeat that against Egypt.There’s only one man to watchThe aforementioned Messi is the one player to watch in this game. The Argentina legend has scored in every single game at the tournament so far. Three of his strikes have been from outside the box. Egypt will have to be at the top of their game to be the first team to stop him at the World Cup. Messi’s shot map from the World CupMany teams have tried and failed to handle the Inter Miami forward over the years, but he’s still going strong at the age of 39. The neutrals watching will be hoping for another messy masterclass, but Egypt will be praying he somehow doesn’t turn up. PredictionThe power of Messi is likely to get Argentina over the line in this one, once again. We’re going for a 2-0 win for Argentina. (Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the World Cup with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, physical metrics, and player ratings. Download the free app here.Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.Argentina and Egypt go head-to-head in the World Cup Last 16 on Tuesday as the reigning champions look to go one step further in retaining their title. By Matt SmithLionel Scaloni‘s side were given a huge scare last time out after being taken to extra time by Cape Verde. It was undoubtedly Argentina’s poorest performance of the World Cup so far, but they did manage to get over the line. Egypt came through the round of 32 by defeating Australia on penalties, which was their third draw (in regular time) of the tournament. They’ll need to step it up a gear if they want to beat Argentina here. They are preparing for the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in 92 years. Team newsPlaying for over two hours against Cape Verde may have taken out of a large number of the Argentine squad, and Nico González could miss out as he’s a doubt. Facundo Medina was forced off against Cape Verde, and he was unable to train the next day, so it’ll be interesting to see if he can make it. Egypt defender Karim Hafez was also substituted due to injury in their previous match, but there is a chance he’ll be available for this one. Mohamed Abdelmonem and Ahmed Fatouh both missed the game against Australia, so they are doubts for this game. Tight defence and MessiArgentina have been one of the best defensive sides in the tournament so far, conceding just 2.1 expected goals. Scaloni’s side haven’t created chances at will, but having a player of Lionel Messi’s ability has dragged them over the line. Messi has scored seven goals from just four expected goals during the tournament, showing how he can create magic out of nothing. Remaining tight at the back and allowing Messi to do his thing in the final third has been a winning formula so far, and they’ll be hoping to repeat that against Egypt.There’s only one man to watchThe aforementioned Messi is the one player to watch in this game. The Argentina legend has scored in every single game at the tournament so far. Three of his strikes have been from outside the box. Egypt will have to be at the top of their game to be the first team to stop him at the World Cup. Messi’s shot map from the World CupMany teams have tried and failed to handle the Inter Miami forward over the years, but he’s still going strong at the age of 39. The neutrals watching will be hoping for another messy masterclass, but Egypt will be praying he somehow doesn’t turn up. PredictionThe power of Messi is likely to get Argentina over the line in this one, once again. We’re going for a 2-0 win for Argentina. (Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the World Cup with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, physical metrics, and player ratings. Download the free app here.Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.