Messi to face England for first time ever in World Cup semi-final —A historic clash looms

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Atlanta, July 12, 2026 – For the first time in his glittering 21‑year international career, Lionel Messi will line up against England. The stage: a FIFA World Cup semi‑final.

Argentina’s 3‑1 extra‑time victory over Switzerland and England’s 2‑1 win against Norway on Tuesday set up a mouthwatering last‑four tie at Atlanta’s Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, kicking off at 4:00 AM Beijing time (16 July). It is the first World Cup meeting between the nations since 2002 – and the first ever between Messi and the Three Lions.

“I’ve played every great team – except England”

Speaking after the quarter‑final, Messi acknowledged the significance. “To be honest, I’ve faced all the top nations at some point, but never England. This will be the first time. And in a World Cup semi‑final – what a chance,” he said. “They are a historic side, and it will be a special night.”

Argentina defender José López added: “Off the pitch, this fixture carries a lot of pain and history. But on it, we are professionals. We’ll treat it like any other game.”

A rivalry forged over 64 years

England and Argentina have met five times at World Cups. England won in 1962, 1966, and 2002; Argentina triumphed in 1986 and 1998. The 1986 quarter‑final remains iconic – Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” sank England en route to Argentina’s title. In 1998, a teenage Michael Owen burst through before David Beckham’s red card led to a penalty shootout defeat. Four years later, Beckham scored the decisive spot‑kick to settle the score.

Now, Maradona, Owen and Beckham are spectators to a new generation – Messi, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham – who will write the next chapter.

Records on the line

Argentina have won all six matches in this tournament, their longest‑ever World Cup winning streak. Victory would make them the first back‑to‑back champions since Brazil in 1962. Messi, with eight goals so far (level with Kylian Mbappé), leads the all‑time World Cup scoring chart with 21. He is set to win his 206th international cap.

England, meanwhile, seek their first major trophy in 60 years.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni played down the hype: “The message is clear – it’s a football match, nothing more. We face a very strong opponent.” England manager Thomas Tuchel, however, was less satisfied with his side’s display: “The result is great, but the performance wasn’t… we were very lucky.”

Whatever unfolds in Atlanta, history is guaranteed: Messi will complete his set of facing every traditional powerhouse – or England will end a long‑standing drought. The world watches on.