Lionel Messi has indirectly given Egypt a morale boost before the Argentina clash after admitting that the defending champions have many issues to fix.
Messi’s comments came after Argentina’s difficult 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde, a match that exposed clear problems in control, pressing and defensive balance.
Argentina endured several complicated moments as Cape Verde equalised twice before the holders finally secured qualification with a late extra-time winner.
For Egypt, those signs create a window of hope ahead of the Atlanta showdown, especially if the Pharaohs can press in an organised way and exploit transitions behind Argentina’s defence.
Argentina remain strong favourites because of Messi’s experience and the quality of their squad, but knockout football is often decided by concentration and the smallest details.