The media revealed the position of Argentine star Lionel Messi regarding participating with the world champions in the upcoming match against Egypt, in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Argentina reached the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after its difficult victory over Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time. In turn, Egypt reached the round of 16, after defeating Australia on penalties after the end of regular and extra time in a 1-1 draw. Messi was injured before the match against Egypt in the 2026 World Cup Media reports circulated news about the possibility of Messi absent from facing Egypt, in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, due to suffering from a blood clot in the head, following the injury he suffered during the last match against Cape Verde. Messi was injured during Argentina's confrontation with Cape Verde in the round of 32, after his head hit the leg of one of the opponent's players, after he fell inside the penalty area, resulting in a clear injury to the upper face, which required the intervention of the medical team to receive immediate treatment, before the "Tango" captain used an ice bag to reduce the swelling.