Lionel Messi says facing England in a World Cup semi-final will be special as Argentina prepare for a blockbuster showdown with the Three Lions in Atlanta. The eight-time Ballon dOr winner will come up against England for the first time at international level after both sides needed extra time to book their place in the last four.England edged past Norway 2-1 thanks to a Jude Bellingham double, while Argentina overcame Switzerland 3-1 with Julian Alvarez scoring a stunning extra-time winner.Despite Argentina and England sharing some of the World Cups most iconic moments, Wednesdays match will mark Messis first appearance against the Three Lions for his country.The 39-year-old admitted memories of the famous 1986 quarter-final remain deeply embedded in Argentine football culture.Everything I have seen and remember about Argentina versus England from 1986 is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive, Messi told ESPN Argentina.But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent.Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special.Messi also admitted there is an extra sense of occasion because England are the only major nation he has never previously faced.Personally, its the first time Im going to play against them, he said.Ive played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.And well experience it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a powerhouse, a great team, and well try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again.Table of ContentsArgentina players aware of historyAlvarez warns of England threatArgentina players aware of historyThe rivalry between the two nations stretches far beyond football, with Diego Maradonas infamous Hand of God goal and remarkable solo effort in 1986 remaining defining moments in World Cup history.David Beckhams red card during Englands defeat to Argentina in 1998 added another controversial chapter to the fixture.Argentina forward Jose Manuel Lopez acknowledged the weight of history surrounding the contest.From the perspective off the field, its a match-up with a lot of history with a lot of pain and a lot of story behind it, he said.But were professionals, we will play it like we have the last games until the very end like we showed today, giving our everything.3F1B6T0 Kansas City, USA. 11th July, 2026. Nico Gonzalez (C) of Argentina vies with Silvan Widmer of Switzerland during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. Credit: Cao Can/Xinhua/Alamy Live NewsIts obviously a special match; its a semi-final of the World Cup.Lopez added that reaching this stage of the competition was the fulfilment of a childhood dream.Personally, and probably like all my team-mates, since we started kicking the ball we dreamed of playing this, he said.We dont need more motivation than that.Alvarez warns of England threatArgentinas route to the semi-finals was secured by a brilliant extra-time strike from Alvarez against Switzerland after the Europeans had been reduced to 10 men.The Manchester City forward expects another difficult challenge against an England side he believes has impressed throughout the tournament.We are very proud to be among the top four teams in the world, Alvarez said.England, we know, has impressive players.They are a great team thats been doing things well at this World Cup but we need to recuperate and prepare our game.The winners of Wednesdays encounter will face either Spain or France in next Sundays World Cup final. Topics Argentina National Football Team England National Football Team Lionel Messi Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Tuchel reveals Rice bedbound for three days before World Cup win over Norway Mitch Fretton 12th July, 2026 This has changed me Haaland proud of shining on World Cup stage Tom Rostance 12th July, 2026 World Cup 2026 Tournament Challenge: Semi-final forecasts to help you win �250K 101 GreatGoals 12th July, 2026 Unacceptable Fuming Murat Yakin slams VAR rule after Breel Embolo red card ruins Swiss World Cup dream Tom Rostance 12th July, 2026 Part of our DNA Lionel Scaloni hails resilient Argentina after dramatic extra-time World Cup win over Switzerland Tom Rostance 12th July, 2026 Lionel Messi: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, kick off times, where to watch, confirmed news updates and full Argentina squad Ben Miller 12th July, 2026
