Egyptians’ Hopes Challenge Messi Ahead of the Round of 16 Showdown
Egyptian fans are optimistic about defeating Argentina and continuing their remarkable FIFA World Cup campaign.
Egyptian supporters have expressed confidence in their national team’s ability to continue its impressive run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the Pharaohs are capable of defeating Argentina and its star Lionel Messi in their highly anticipated Round of 16 clash next Tuesday.
Egypt reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in its history after defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw on Friday at Dallas Stadium in the Round of 32.
The Pharaohs will now face Argentina after the South American side secured a 3-2 victory over Cape Verde.
Amid celebrations by supporters in eastern Cairo, Amr Samir said following Egypt’s qualification: “My joy is beyond words. Praise be to God—we have qualified.”
Supporter Marwan Tarek praised the team’s performance under national team head coach Hossam Hassan, saying: “This was an extremely honorable performance. Hossam Hassan has built an outstanding and truly remarkable team.”
Tarek also expressed his ambition to see Egypt eliminate Argentina in the next round, reach the FIFA World Cup final, and ultimately lift the trophy.
Supporter Hassan Jalal said he had been completely confident that Egypt would defeat Australia.
He added: “Thank God, I was absolutely certain Egypt would win. We are going to beat Messi,” as other fans chanted: “Bring us Messi now!”
Supporter Marina Ashraf said the national team had delivered a magnificent performance that made all Egyptians proud.
She said: “Congratulations! At the beginning we were very nervous, but the team truly made us proud. The performance was outstanding.”
Nawal Abdo commented: “Thank God for this victory. The Egyptian national team has made us proud. Special thanks to the players who gave everything on the pitch.”
Supporter Adam Tamer said: “I am incredibly happy about this victory. I cried because of my overwhelming joy.”
Hossam Mohsen stated: “This achievement is a blessing from God. Egypt always gives us moments of happiness. It is the one thing that unites all Egyptians. We love Egypt and Mohamed Salah.”
The supporters’ celebrations quickly turned toward hopes of overcoming Argentina and Lionel Messi in the Round of 16.
Supporter Maya Mostafa Wasfi said: “The match was perfect in every respect. We are extremely happy with this victory. Now we look forward to Argentina. Long live Egypt!”
Supporter Osama Saeed added: “With Hossam Hassan’s fighting spirit and these determined players, we will accomplish what others could not against Argentina. Victory belongs to Egypt. As long as we are not afraid of our opponent, success will be ours.”
Khaled Ibrahim said: “Congratulations to all Egyptians. God willing, we will defeat Messi.”
Ahmed Tarek added: “Egypt is and will always remain the Mother of the World. God willing, we will defeat Argentina.”
Hana Nassereddine said: “The match was wonderful. Even though I also support Messi, I hope the best outcome will be for Egypt.”
With great enthusiasm, Mohamed El Alfi declared: “Thank God we have reached the Round of 16. We are waiting for Messi. We are waiting for you, Messi.”
Rawan Darwish celebrated with traditional ululations, saying: “Egypt is celebrating. We thank the national team, Hossam Hassan, Omar Marmoush, and Mohamed Salah. They all deserve our greatest respect.”
Supporter Tarek Salah described Egypt’s match against Australia as “the match of a lifetime” and wished the team success in its upcoming encounter with Argentina.
Young Salma Mohamed said she was delighted by Egypt’s victory, while supporter Mohamed Saeed stressed the importance of continuing to support Hossam Hassan and the national team in their next FIFA World Cup match.
Egypt has now become the second Arab nation to reach the Round of 16 after Morocco, which earlier advanced at the expense of the Netherlands through a penalty shootout.
Earlier on Friday, head coach Hossam Hassan dedicated Egypt’s qualification for the Round of 16 to the Palestinian people, in addition to the Egyptian people, following the victory over Australia on penalties.
Speaking to beIN Sports, Hassan said: “I dedicate this victory to another people alongside the Egyptian people. I dedicate it to the Palestinian people, who have never failed to support us. I say to them: May God have mercy on your martyrs.”
He added: “My heart and soul are with the Palestinian people. I sincerely thank them because they are genuinely happy for us. May God grant them victory and have mercy on their martyrs.”
Hossam Hassan became visibly emotional after the final whistle, shedding tears to celebrate the historic achievement before leading his players in a collective prostration of thanks on the pitch.
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have supported the Egyptian national team throughout its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign and followed the match against Australia with great enthusiasm despite the difficult humanitarian conditions in the territory.
Hossam Hassan boasts one of the most distinguished international careers in Egyptian football history. During his long playing career, he became the Pharaohs’ all-time leading scorer with 68 goals and the nation’s second most-capped player with 176 international appearances, according to the Egyptian newspaper Al-Youm Al-Sabea.
