Argentina and Messi Brace for Egypt's Last-16 Test

Argentina are through to the last 16 but questions linger over the defending champions, according to Reuters. Lionel Messi himself admitted after the Cape Verde match that he was tired and expressed frustration at his side's inability to press opponents high up the pitch, a frank admission that will give Egypt genuine encouragement.

The Atlas Lions of Africa have earned their place in this round the hard way, arriving with the battle-hardened look of a side that refuses to be a soft touch for anyone. The clash promises to be a stern examination of whether Argentina can lift their performance levels in the knockout rounds.

For Messi, the stakes could not be higher. As Reuters reports, the two sides prepare to meet with a quarter-final place on the line, and the greatest player of his generation will be expected to carry his country once more, tired or not.