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 booked their place in the last four after defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time, while England edged Norway 2-1 in another tough quarter-final to set up one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the tournament.
For Messi, the encounter carries even greater significance.
Despite his illustrious international career spanning more than two decades, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has never faced England at senior international level.
A Place in the Final Awaits
Wednesday’s winner will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where either Spain or France will await.
The stage is set for another unforgettable World Cup classic as two footballing powerhouses, with a rivalry spanning decades, go head to head with the world’s biggest prize at stake.
Lionel Messi and Argentina look to move one step closer to defending their crown against an England side determined to end their own long wait for global glory.
Messi Relishing First-Ever England Clash
Speaking after Argentina’s victory over Switzerland, Messi revealed his excitement about finally coming up against one of world football’s traditional heavyweights.
“Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs. England from 1986] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive,” Messi told ESPN Argentina.
“But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent.”
“Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches 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 nice for that reason too.”
“And we’ll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semifinal against a powerhouse, a great team, and we’ll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again.”
The meeting will be the first between Argentina and England at a World Cup since 2002, reviving one of international football’s fiercest rivalries.
A Rivalry Steeped in World Cup History
Few World Cup fixtures carry as much history and emotion as Argentina against England.
The rivalry was immortalised during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final when Argentine legend, Diego Maradona scored both the infamous “Hand of God” goal and one of the greatest solo goals in football history to eliminate England.
Twelve years later, the rivalry produced another unforgettable chapter when England midfielder, David Beckham was sent off during the Round of 16 clash at the 1998 World Cup, with Argentina eventually progressing on penalties.
Beyond football, political tensions between the two nations have often added another layer of intensity whenever they meet on the international stage.
Now, another historic chapter is set to be written as Messi’s Argentina and Tuchel’s England battle for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Argentina Edge Switzerland After Extra-Time Drama
Argentina had to dig deep to keep their title defence alive.
After being pushed to extra time by a resilient Swiss side, Julián Álvarez produced a sensational strike before the reigning champions eventually secured a 3-1 victory.
The win came just days after Argentina’s remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt in the Round of 16.
These results and performances highlights the resilience that has defined Lionel Scaloni’s team throughout the tournament.
England Also Battle Into the Last Four
England were equally tested in their quarter-final against Norway.
Jude Bellingham inspired the Three Lions with a superb brace as Tuchel’s side secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory after extra time to reach the semi-finals.
The result kept England’s hopes of ending their long wait for another World Cup title alive, setting up an intriguing showdown with the defending champions.
‘We Don’t Need More Motivation’ – Argentina
Argentina forward, José Manuel López acknowledged the historical significance of the fixture but insisted his teammates remain focused solely on football.
“From the perspective off the field, it’s a match-up with a lot of history with a lot of pain and a lot of story behind it,” López said after the Switzerland game.”
“But we’re professionals, we will play it like we have the last games until the very end like we showed today, giving our everything.”
“It’s obviously a special match; it’s a semifinal of the World Cup.”
“Personally, and probably like all my teammates, since we started kicking the ball we dreamed of playing this.”
“We don’t need more motivation than that.”
Álvarez Ready for England Test
Match-winner, Julián Álvarez also admitted Argentina face one of their toughest challenges of the tournament against an England side packed with world-class talent.
“We are very proud to be among the top four teams in the world,” Álvarez said.
“England, we know, has impressive players.”
“They are a great team that’s been doing things well [this World Cup] but we need to recuperate and prepare our game.”
Messi Continues Historic World Cup Run
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 defence, 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 already broken multiple World Cup records during the tournament, Messi will now attempt to guide Argentina into a second consecutive World Cup final.
He will also be making another first in his remarkable career, playing against England on football’s biggest stage.
