Argentina vs. Egypt: Tempting Lionel Messi odds you should back in World Cup Round of 16

Argentina topped Group J on the back of a perfect group stage record, with Lionel Messi driving a highly efficient front three throughout, before needing extra time to see off a spirited Cape Verde side 3-2 in the Round of 32.

Egypt, priced at 9.00 (8/1) to cause an upset, arrive off the back of the greatest World Cup run in their history, edging past Australia on penalties in the last 32 after a 1-1 draw.

Argentina are clear favourites to advance at 1.36 (4/11), with the draw also carrying appeal for those backing this to go the distance given Egypt's resilience so far, though Egypt at 9.00 (8/1) looks a stretch given the gulf in individual quality on show.

The player specials are where the real interest lies, and Messi stands out with some strong value options in those markets.

Lionel Messi to score the first goal

Messi has opened the scoring in each of his three starts at this World Cup, setting the tone before Argentina's supporting cast take over.

That kind of early influence is no small thing against an Egypt side who have conceded first in each of their knockout-adjacent tests this tournament, and a talisman this locked in rarely needs a second invitation.

At 3.60 (13/5) with bet365, backing Messi to open the scoring is the standout selection.

Lionel Messi 4+ shots on target

Messi has registered four or more shots on target in each of his three starts this World Cup, a return that speaks to just how central he remains to everything Argentina do in the final third.

Egypt's deep defensive block invites exactly the kind of volume shooting that has defined Messi's tournament so far, and there is little reason to expect that workload to drop now.

4+ shots on target is priced at 3.00 (2/1) with bet365.

Lionel Messi to register an assist

This is the trickiest of the three, with Messi yet to register an assist at this World Cup, though that has little to do with a lack of creativity on his part.

Messi has created three big chances across his three starts and posted an xG of 0.71 last time out, and a goal carved open by the man who holds football's all-time assist record feels overdue rather than unlikely.

Messi to register an assist is available at 2.87 (15/8) with bet365.