Lionel Messi starts for Argentina today as their World Cup defence continues with a last-16 tie against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt. Argentina survived an almighty scare last time out, defeating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in one of the best games of the tournament.

The world champion produced a late show for the ages to seal a spot in the final eight.

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The contrast could hardly have been greater: the Cape Verde players, plying their trade in Russia, Ireland or Portugal’s second division, found themselves facing defending champions Argentina and

Cape Verde players turned into fanboys after the game and clicked pictures with Lionel Messi while he was giving post-match interviews.

Victor Vazquez met Messi when they were 13 at Barcelona. They were great friends and would share music and travel on the bus together