FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi Set for Historic First England Encounter as Argentina Chase Back-to-Back Finals

Veteran captain prepares for his first-ever international meeting with England as reigning champions target another FIFA World Cup final appearance.

Atlanta, July 13: Argentina captain Lionel Messi is on the verge of adding another unique milestone to his legendary international career when the reigning world champions face England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday (local time).

Although Messi has represented Argentina at the highest level for more than 20 years, he has never played against England in an international match. The upcoming semi-final will therefore mark the first meeting between the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and the Three Lions, with a place in the World Cup final hanging in the balance.

Speaking ahead of the blockbuster contest, Messi described the occasion as a special one, noting that England remained the only major football nation he had never faced during his international journey. He acknowledged England’s stature in world football and said matches of this magnitude are what every player looks forward to, particularly at the World Cup semi-final stage.

The only opportunity for such a meeting came in 2005, when Argentina played England in an international friendly. Messi, however, was unavailable after receiving a red card on his senior debut earlier that year, delaying what has now become one of the last missing chapters in his international career.

Argentina booked their place in the last four after overcoming Switzerland 3-1 in extra time. Messi played a key role by creating the opening goal for Alexis Mac Allister from a corner, while Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez added the decisive strikes to secure victory.

Interestingly, the Switzerland clash ended Messi’s run of scoring in the tournament, making it his first World Cup match without a goal since Argentina’s group-stage encounter against Poland during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The defending champions have endured a demanding knockout campaign. They edged Cape Verde in extra time before staging a remarkable comeback from two goals down to eliminate Egypt in the Round of 16. Their latest victory over Switzerland further highlighted the team’s resilience under pressure.

Messi admitted that the physically intense schedule has tested the squad but expressed confidence that Argentina remains mentally and physically prepared for another crucial challenge.

The semi-final also renews one of football’s most celebrated rivalries. England and Argentina last met in a competitive fixture at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where England secured a narrow 1-0 victory. More than two decades later, the rivalry returns to the biggest stage, with Argentina aiming to defend their world title and become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive FIFA World Cups.