As Mohamed Salah enjoyed Egypt's landmark success against Australia the focus quickly turned ahead. The ex-Liverpool attacker expressed clear joy after his late penalty secured a comeback shootout win in Dallas for the Pharaohs on Friday.

"I chose at the final moment. I bring more experience than the rest and aimed to boost their belief," noted Salah who had failed in Egypt's prior two shootouts including the World Cup playoff versus Senegal four years ago.

"I am unsure if this is my final World Cup yet I needed to step up. Today ranked among the finest days in my career."

While he first avoided queries on confronting Lionel Messi in the following round out of respect as Argentina readied for Cape Verde in a thrilling contest he faced the topic again. When asked his preferred opponent should this prove his farewell Salah replied without pause. "Messi" he stated with a grin.

Tuesday's Atlanta meeting represents their debut senior international clash. The pair have faced off twice earlier both in Champions League ties first in 2015 during Salah's Roma spell and again four years later in Liverpool's 3-0 loss in the semi-final opener at Camp Nou.

Most recall the events that followed even though Salah missed the stunning 4-0 recovery at Anfield due to a concussion picked up days earlier versus Newcastle. Jurgen Klopp noted Salah's "Never give up" shirt as motivation during one of the sport's iconic turnarounds.

Egypt will require similar resolve and extra when meeting Lionel Scaloni's world champions who have dropped five of the 100 matches he has led across seven years. A standout talent in the squad aids greatly. Yet as Egypt national team director Ibrahim Hassan noted this week they possess the player with 257 goals and four Premier League golden boots for Liverpool.

"We ignore Messi," he remarked. "We urge the squad to perform their way and disregard the status of opponents. They may boast Messi yet we hold Mohamed Salah and 26 Messis within our ranks."

Significant worries surround Salah's heavy schedule after his quick return from the hamstring issue that sidelined him versus Iran in the groups. He was seen exploring downtown Atlanta on a walk with teammates Sunday morning following their arrival in Georgia a day prior. Argentina landed later with some fatigue concerns after their narrow escape against Cape Verde in Florida.

"My current concern is the mere four days for recovery and travel," said former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero who earned 101 caps for Argentina. "Several players dealt with cramps and now face Egypt a side strong physically. They hold added quality upfront compared to Cape Verde."

Egypt can draw confidence from the issues Cape Verde posed to Argentina's seasoned backline with City's Omar Marmoush another clear danger even if not at peak form yet. Teenage forward Hamza Abdelkarim who features for Barcelona B and has entered as substitute each match is viewed as Salah's likely heir and seems to have absorbed lessons from him both on and off the field.

When asked if he had imagined facing Messi in a match he replied "We meet Argentina not Messi alone."

The update long awaited in Egypt seemed settled on Saturday when Moustafa Abozahra an Egyptian Football Federation board member confirmed Salah would keep the captaincy through the 2030 World Cup with Hossam Hassan continuing as coach. That stays uncertain without details on the 34-year-old's next club after his Liverpool deal ended on 1 July. Likely paths point to a high-paying Saudi Pro League transfer though a surprise European move cannot be dismissed. In May he mentioned several strong choices.

Salah battled injuries during his last Liverpool campaign amid reported tensions with then-manager Arne Slot. Still he has set up more opportunities than any player here with 16 and retains much to give even below full fitness.

Known for his tree pose celebration since his second Liverpool year Salah has followed a yoga routine to manage superstar demands and prolong his playing days. Based on his next step no barrier exists to matching the 39-year-old Messi and reaching another World Cup.

Before that Salah gains another chance at the goal needed to tie his manager's national mark of 69. With nothing at stake after their first knockout victory over Australia and all to win Egypt pose a danger Argentina cannot overlook.