England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford stressed that they cannot solely focus on Lionel Messi when they come up against the Argentina star for the first time in Wednesdays World Cup semi-final. Thomas Tuchels men take on the defending world champions in Atlanta in what marks the first meeting between the two fierce international rivals for over 20 years. Their last encounter was back in November 2005 in a memorable friendly, which the Three Lions won 3-2. Messi had made his Argentina debut just under three months earlier but did not feature in that game.Messi has scored a stunning 125 goals in his 205 caps for Argentina, both records for his country, and finally lifted the World Cup when La Albiceleste beat France on penalties after a stunning 2022 final.Yet the 39-year-old, who has scored eight goals in this tournament to put Argentina a win away from a final with either 2022 opponents France or European champions Spain, has never had the chance to emulate Diego Maradona by scoring against England in a World Cup.Messi will imminently get that opportunity but, after England kept Erling Haaland off the scoresheet in their 2-1 over Norway in the quarter-finals, Pickford made it clear they will not simply be concentrating on the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star.Speaking of facing Messi, Pickford told a press conference: Hes scored so many goals and hes contributed to so many goals over his career. Its great to finally come up against him. We all know how good Messi is, but we all know how good Argentina is, so we cant just solely rely on Messi, weve got to focus on the other strengths as well and the other weaknesses we can take advantage of.Theyve got very individuals and theyre a good team so weve got to be wary of them all.Its us against them to get a place in the final, its a game of football, 90 minutes, 120, penalties. Were ready for anything. Its us against them at the end of the day and its about who comes out on top and were fully prepared for that. Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup 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 France v Spain: Rodri expresses hope of belated Yamal impact in blockbuster semi-final Nicholas McGee 13th July, 2026 World Cup 2026 semi-final predictions as Yamal and Bellingham aim to stop Messi-Mbappe rematch Nicholas McGee 13th July, 2026 Former England captain Terry compares Bellingham to Zidane and claims Three Lions are better than Argentina Jon Fisher 13th July, 2026 Atlanta police on high alert as England and Argentina fans converge for highly charged World Cup semi-final Jon Fisher 13th July, 2026 Kane backs Tuchels frustrations after Englands sloppy win over Norway Mitch Fretton 12th July, 2026 Messi ready to face powerhouse England in World Cup semi-final Mitch Fretton 12th July, 2026
