FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi set for first-ever clash against England as Argentina eye final berth
Atlanta Jul, y 13
Argentina captain Lionel Messi is set to tick off one of the few remaining firsts in his extraordinary international career when he faces England for the first time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Despite representing Argentina for more than two decades and facing every other World Cup-winning nation, Messi has never played against the Three Lions. The much-anticipated meeting will finally take place with a place in the World Cup final at stake, adding another chapter to one of international football's fiercest rivalries.
"The truth is, it's special," Messi told reporters, as quoted by FIFA, after Argentina's 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland secured their place in the last four.
"It's a special match because it's my first time. I've played against everyone except England. And it's special, as I said before, because they're a big team, a powerhouse. It's always nice to play against teams like that, in matches like this, and especially in the semi-finals of a World Cup," he added.
The 39-year-old has previously faced Brazil, Uruguay, Germany, Italy, Spain and France during his glittering career, but England remained the only major football power missing from his international resume.
The closest he came was during a friendly in Geneva in November 2005, when Argentina lost 3-2. Messi was unavailable for that match after being sent off on his senior international debut against Hungary earlier that year.
Argentina head into the semi-final after surviving another dramatic knockout battle, defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time. Messi provided the assist for Alexis Mac Allister's opening goal from a corner before Julian Alvarez's stunning strike and Lautaro Martinez's late finish sealed victory.
It was also the first World Cup match since Argentina's group-stage win over Poland in Qatar 2022 in which Messi failed to score.
The reigning champions have shown remarkable resilience throughout the knockout rounds, edging Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time before overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16.
"We'll try to get some rest because we've been under a lot of pressure and it's taken its toll," Messi said, as per FIFA. "The squad feels it, but we're in the best possible shape to carry on doing what we've been doing: competing."
The semi-final also revives one of football's most iconic rivalries. England and Argentina have not met in a competitive fixture since the 2002 FIFA World Cup, when England claimed a 1-0 victory.
More than two decades later, Messi now has the opportunity to script his own chapter in the storied rivalry as Argentina chase a place in the final and bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a football fan in India who grew up watching Maradona, this feels surreal. Messi finally facing England in a World Cup knockout? It's like destiny. But honestly, Argentina haven't looked completely dominant - that extra-time win against Switzerland was nervy. They'll need to step up big time against England's pace. Still, you can never count out the GOAT in a semi-final.
Messi at 39 still delivering in World Cup knockouts - just incredible. I remember watching him in 2014 and thinking that was his peak. Now he's about to face England for the first time in a competitive match! The man has literally faced every other top team. This is what makes football magical. My prediction: Argentina 2-1 in extra time again. Messi to finally score against England.
I'm a bit conflicted here. Love Messi, but England have been solid defensively under Southgate. Argentina's resilience is impressive - coming from 2-0 down against Egypt shows character. But they've conceded in every knockout match so far. That's worrying against a team like England who can punish mistakes. Either way, history will be made. Let's hope it's a clean, fair game with no controversial moments like 1998.
Respect to Messi for acknowledging how special this is. But let's be honest - Argentina have been extremely lucky in this tournament. Cape Verde took them to extra time, Egypt almost knocked them out. Switzerland pushed them hard too. England have been more consistent. If Messi doesn't deliver here, it could be his last World Cup match. The pressure is immense. Should be a classic semi-final!
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