ATLANTA: Lionel Messi and Argentina face England in one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a place in the final at stake and decades of football history adding extra significance to the semifinal.
The match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium reunites two of football’s fiercest rivals, whose previous World Cup meetings have included Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal in 1986 and David Beckham’s red card in 1998. The rivalry has also been shaped by the Falklands War, adding a political backdrop to the sporting contest.
For 39-year-old Messi, the semifinal marks a unique milestone. Despite a career spanning more than two decades and virtually every major trophy in world football, the Argentina captain is set to face England for the first time in a senior international match. Messi has scored eight goals in six matches at the tournament and is bidding to lead Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final.
England, meanwhile, is seeking its first World Cup title since 1966. Under coach Thomas Tuchel, the team has reached the last four after victories over DR Congo, Mexico and Norway.
Captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham are expected to lead England’s challenge as the Three Lions aim to win their first World Cup outside home soil.
Argentina advanced to the semifinals after defeating Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland in the knockout rounds, with each of its three elimination matches extending beyond regulation time.
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The winner will move one step closer to lifting football’s biggest prize, with Argentina chasing another appearance in the World Cup final and England attempting to end a 60-year wait for a second global title.
