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Messi Relaxed as History Awaits as Argentina faces Egypt

Argentina and Egypt will battle it out for a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday, bringing together the two most decorated nations in South American and African football history. The blockbuster Round of 16 clash at Atlanta Stadium pits 16-time Copa America champions Argentina against seven-time Africa Cup of Nations winners Egypt, with both sides looking to recover from massive scares in the previous round. Reigning champions Argentina swept into the knockout stage as Group K winners on the back of three consecutive victories, but were almost dealt one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history by debutants Cabo Verde in the Round of 32. The Albiceleste ultimately needed a late own goal to seal a 3-2 win after extra time. Egypt had to go even further to book their place in the Round of 16 for the first time. The Pharaohs outlasted Australia 4-2 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw. The two nations have met only twice previously at senior international level, with Argentina winning both encounters. The South Americans won a 2008 friendly 2-0 thanks to goals from Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Burdisso, following up their only other meeting from the 1928 Olympics, where Argentina cruised to a 6-0 success. Whoever comes out on top in Atlanta will progress to a quarter-final matchup against either Switzerland or Colombia in Kansas City on July 11.