On July 12, 2026, Lionel Messi will experience his first-ever meeting against England in a World Cup semi-final at 20:00 BST in Atlanta. Despite his extensive international career, this match marks a significant milestone for the 39-year-old Argentine forward.
Argentina Advances to Semi-Finals Against England
Argentina secured their place in the semi-finals with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland. Messi, who has scored eight goals in the tournament, did not find the net in this match, but he remains in contention for the Golden Boot alongside France's Kylian Mbappé.
BBC pundit Micah Richards expressed excitement about Messi's impact on the game, stating, "England can outrun Argentina but they just have that little genius Messi. They all play for him. Everyone should be excited." He emphasized that marking Messi is a challenge due to his exceptional technique and awareness on the pitch.
The Rivalry Between Argentina and England
The encounter between Argentina and England is one of international football's fiercest rivalries, dating back decades. The infamous 'Hand of God' goal by Diego Maradona in 1986 and David Beckham's red card in 1998 are just a few highlights of their dramatic history. This match will be their first encounter in nearly 21 years, making it a highly anticipated event.
