Tuesday’s football tips: Argentina icon Lionel Messi 15/8 for first 2026 World Cup assist against Egypt

Argentina survived a major scare against Cape Verde in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup and will be hoping for a more comfortable passage into the quarter-finals when they take on Egypt.

The minnows twice came from behind to stun the world champions only for the Argentines to finally seal a 3-2 win in the second half of extra-time.

Egypt's clash with Australia in the last 32 went all the way to penalties but it was the Africans who held their nerve to line up a clash with Lionel Messi and Co.

Argentina vs Egypt

The Egyptians were pretty poor against a limited Socceroos side and it was clear star man Mo Salah was short of full fitness.

I'd imagine they will set up to frustrate the world champions so I fancy an Argentina win to nil with under 3.5 goals, which pays 23/20 at Bet365.

I backed Lionel Messi for an assist against Cape Verde and thought I had a winner when Cristian Romero headed home his corner to make it 3-2. But the ball came off the arm of a defender on its way in and FIFA harshly awarded it as an own goal instead.

That means Messi is still waiting for his first assist at this tournament but I'm going for the same bet again tonight and it pays 15/8 at Bet365.

Switzerland vs Colombia

It's always fascinating when a South American side come up against European opposition and tonight's clash between Switzerland and Colombia is a tough one to call.

Bet365 make the Colombians 8/13 favourites to go through, with the Swiss at 13/10 in the same market, but I'd make this a 50/50 showdown if I was running a World Cup betting app.

Colombia have only conceded one goal so far, which is probably why they're favourites, but they're missing striker Jhon Cordoba tonight due to injury.

Switzerland boast superior firepower up front, with Breel Embolo and Johan Manzambi both in scoring form, so I'm going to have a punt on them going through.

This should be a tight game though and the half-time draw looks decent value at evens, while backing most goals to come after the break is a bit bigger at 6/5 with Bet365.

Sabah vs The New Saints

There's some Champions League qualifiers tonight and Welsh side The New Saints have a daunting game with Sabah in Azerbaijan.

Bet365 have Craig Harrison's men as 9/1 outsiders, with the home win priced at just 1/4 and the draw paying 15/4.

Given Sabah pipped Euro regulars Qarabag to the title last term, losing just three games all season, those odds seem fair enough.

It's hard to see The New Saints springing a shock, although Sabah could be a bit rusty as this is their first competitive game of the new campaign.

I'm going to combine a Sabah win with under 3.5 goals at 21/20 with Bet365, with the Welsh side likely to sit back ahead of the return on home soil.

Super singles

• Lionel Messi assist 15/8 Bet365
• Switzerland to qualify 13/10 Bet365
• Sabah win and under 3.5 goals 21/20 Bet365

Upcoming match previews and betting tips

• Tue 17:00 Argentina vs Egypt
• Tue 18:30 Floriana vs Shamrock Rovers
• Tue 21:00 Switzerland vs Colombia
• Desmond’s Goals Tips: BTTS, To Score 2, Over 2.5 Goals and 25/1 Goals Acca Tips

Racing tips

Rizzel is back in the saddle today and has picks for the meetings at Pontefract and Uttoxeter.

• Tuesday’s Racing Tips – Karnaval Point Can Steal the Show at Uttoxeter

As always, leave your own tips and comments below.

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