Before facing Messi, Salah created the most chances in the 2026 World Cup

Before facing Messi, Mohamed Salah created the most chances at the 2026 World Cup, according to figures cited by Sky Sports and the statistics website FootMob, as reported by Egypt’s al-Akhbar. Salah, captain of the Egyptian national team, is tied with Belgium’s Leandro Trossard for total chances—16 each—but Egypt’s winger ranks first due to a higher chance-creation rate: 4.3 chances per 90 minutes versus Trossard’s four. Salah reached the tally by creating five chances in Egypt’s Round of 32 match against Australia, a 4-2 penalty win after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time; he also scored one spot-kick with a Panenka-style chip. Achraf Hakimi finished third with 14 chances, with Declan Rice, Florian Wirtz and Sadio Mané next, followed by Yann Diomande, James Rodriguez and Maxi Araujo. Messi has created nine so far. Salah is set to lead Egypt against Argentina on Tuesday in the Round of 16.