Lionel Messi declared on Sunday that the 2026 World Cup semifinal against England promises to be a "special" match, not only because of the historic rivalry between the two teams but also due to a personal milestone: throughout his World Cup career, he has never faced the English squad.
The Argentine captain made these remarks following the team's quarterfinal victory over Switzerland, where the Albiceleste triumphed 3-1 in extra time at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. “It's always exciting to play against such a team, especially in a World Cup semifinal,” the superstar from Rosario told the EFE news agency.
Messi acknowledged the team's accumulated fatigue but remained optimistic: “The group is in top shape to achieve what we set out to do.”
The Argentine captain didn't hold back when addressing the criticisms received during the week leading up to the Switzerland match. “A lot of nonsense was said during the week, and we want to dedicate this win to those fools. Now we have extra motivation to face England,” he stated, as captured in a video released by EFE.
Argentina secured their semifinal spot thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister in the 10th minute, Julián Álvarez in the 112th, and Lautaro Martínez in the dying moments of extra time.
Switzerland had equalized with a goal from Dan Ndoye near the end of regular time, forcing the match into overtime.
While Messi didn’t score against Switzerland, he has racked up eight goals in the tournament, keeping him tied for the Golden Boot lead with France's Kylian Mbappé.
Messi's Historic World Cup Journey
Historically, Messi has become the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 21 goals, surpassing German Miroslav Klose's 16.
On the opposite side of the bracket, England defeated Norway 2-1, thanks to a brace from Jude Bellingham at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, reaching the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 1990.
The World Cup history between Argentina and England is filled with iconic moments. Argentina triumphed over England in 1986, highlighted by Diego Maradona's two legendary goals — the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century" — and again in 1998 via penalties.
England, meanwhile, secured victories in 1962, 1966, and 2002. Since that last encounter, the two teams haven’t met in a World Cup, making this clash the first in 24 years.
Current world champions Argentina, reigning from Qatar 2022, will aim for their second consecutive title as they face England on Wednesday, July 15, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, at 3:00 PM Cuba time.
Key Insights on the Argentina vs. England World Cup Semifinal
Why is the Argentina vs. England match considered special?
The match is deemed special due to the historical rivalry between the two teams and because Lionel Messi has never played against England in his World Cup career.
How did Argentina advance to the World Cup semifinals?
Argentina advanced to the semifinals by defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time, with goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, and Lautaro Martínez.
Who is leading the Golden Boot race in the 2026 World Cup?
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are tied in the Golden Boot race, each with eight goals so far in the tournament.
When and where will the Argentina vs. England semifinal take place?
The semifinal between Argentina and England will occur on Wednesday, July 15, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, at 3:00 PM Cuba time.