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Lionel Messi has admitted that facing England in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals will be “special” as defending champions Argentina prepare for a blockbuster clash against Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions in Atlanta.
The Albiceleste They got their place in the semifinals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra timewhile England surpassed Norway 2-1 in another tough quarterfinal to prepare for one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
For Messi, the meeting has even greater meaning.
Despite his illustrious international career spanning more than two decades, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has never faced England at a high-level international level.
A place in the final awaits
Wednesday’s winner will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Spain or France will await.
The stage is set for another unforgettable World Cup classic as two football powerhouses, with a rivalry spanning decades, go head to head for the world’s biggest prize at stake.
Lionel Messi and Argentina look to take another step to defend their crown against an England determined to end their long wait for world glory.
Messi enjoys the first clash with England
Speaking after Argentina’s victory over Switzerland, Messi revealed his excitement at finally facing one of world football’s traditional heavyweights.
“Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs. England from 1986] “It is about videos and images that Argentines constantly watch and relive,” Messi told ESPN Argentina.
“But I think this group is used to playing football games regardless of the opponent.”
“Obviously playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and games against powerhouses are always special.”
“Personally, it’s the first time I’m going to play against them. I’ve played against everyone except England, so it will be good for that reason too.”
“And we will experience it as what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a power, a great team, and we will try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again.”
The match will be the first between Argentina and England in a World Cup since 2002, reviving one of the fiercest rivalries in international football.
A rivalry marked in the history of the World Cups
Few World Cup matches have as much history and emotion as the one between Argentina and England.
The rivalry was immortalized during the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals when the Argentine legend, Diego Maradona noted both the infamous “hand of god“objective and One of the greatest solo goals in football history. to eliminate England.
twelve years laterThe rivalry produced another unforgettable chapter when the English midfielder, David Beckham was expelled during the Round of 16 clash to the 1998 World Cupand Argentina finally advanced on penalties.
Beyond football, political tensions between the two nations have often added another layer of intensity whenever they face off on the international stage.
Now, another historical chapter will be written as Messi’s Argentina and Tuchel’s England fight for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
Argentina beats Switzerland after extra-time drama
Argentina had to work hard to keep its title defense alive.
After being pushed into extra time by a resilient Swiss team, Julian Alvarez produced a sensational goal before the defending champions finally claimed a 3-1 victory.
The victory came just days after Argentina’s remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt in the round of 16.
These results and performances highlight the resilience that has defined Lionel Scaloni’s team throughout the tournament.
England is also fighting to reach the semi-finals
England passed the same test in the quarterfinals against Norway.
Judas Bellingham inspired the Three Lions with a excellent brace Tuchel’s team earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory in extra time to reach the semi-finals.
The result kept alive England’s hopes of ending their long wait for another World Cup title, setting up an intriguing showdown with the defending champions.
‘We don’t need more motivation’ – Argentina
Argentine striker José Manuel López recognized the historical importance of the match, but insisted that his teammates remain focused solely on football.
“From an off-the-field perspective, it’s a matchup with a lot of history, with a lot of pain and a lot of history behind it.” López said after the Switzerland game.”
“But we are professionals, we will play as we have done in the last games until the end, as we have shown today, giving everything.”
“Obviously it’s a special match; it’s a World Cup semi-final.”
“Personally, and probably like all my teammates, since we started kicking the ball we dreamed of playing this.”
“We don’t need any more motivation than that.”
Álvarez ready for the England test
Match winner Julián Álvarez also admitted that Argentina faces one of the toughest challenges of the tournament against an England full of world-class talent.
“We are very proud to be among the four best teams in the world.” Alvarez said.
“We know England have impressive players.”
“It is a great team that has been doing things well [this World Cup] but we need to recover and prepare our game.”
Messi continues his historic World Cup career
The semi-final presents another opportunity for Messi to add to an already extraordinary World Cup legacy.
The 39-year-old has been the driving force behind Argentina’s title defense, delivering crucial performances in the knockout rounds as the South American giants continue their quest to retain the trophy they won in Qatar four years ago.
Having broken multiple World Cup records during the tournament, Messi will now attempt to guide Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final.
He will also make another first in his remarkable career, playing against England on football’s biggest stage.
