Messi to Face England for First Time in 2026 World Cup Semi-Final
Lionel Messi will play against England for the first time in his international career when Argentina meets England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final in Atlanta. Argentina advanced by defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time, while England also won in extra time. The match renews a historic rivalry, including the 1986 'Hand of God' and 1998 Beckham red card. Messi, 39, leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals. Argentina seeks to retain the World Cup, while England aims for their first final since 1966.
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Messi vs England World Cup Clash: A Historic Reunion Finally Arrives
Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in his international career during the 2026 World Cup semifinal in Atlanta. Despite playing over 200 matches and scoring 125+ goals for Argentina, Messi has never played against England due to a suspension in 2005 and missed opportunities in subsequent tournaments. The match revives a storied rivalry defined by Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' in 1986, David Beckham's red card in 1998, and England's 2002 revenge. Both teams arrive after extra-time wins (Argentina over Switzerland, England over Norway). Analysts highlight the challenge Messi poses to England's defense, while noting Argentina's reliance on late drama. Ticket prices reportedly start at $3,000. For Messi, at age 39, it is a chance to add a missing rival to his resume while pursuing back-to-back World Cup titles; for England, it is a shot at their first final since 1966.
Yardbarker: SoccerLionel Messi to Face England for First Time in 2026 World Cup Semi-Final
Lionel Messi will face the English national football team for the first time in his career during the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. The 39-year-old Argentine star has played 19 World Cup matches against European teams, winning 13, drawing two, and losing four (including penalty shootout wins). His four losses came against Germany (2010, 2014), Croatia (group stage), and France (Round of 16). Messi has eight goals and nine assists in those matches. Argentina advanced to the semis by defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time. England returns to the semi-finals for the first time since 2018, seeking their first final since 1966. Argentina aims to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup. The head-to-head record between Argentina and England in World Cups is tied at 2-2, with their last meeting being a 2005 friendly.
Yardbarker: SoccerLionel Messi to Face England for First Time in 2026 World Cup Semi-Final
Lionel Messi will face the English national men's football team for the first time in his career during the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. The 39-year-old Argentine star has played 19 World Cup matches against European teams, winning 13, drawing two, and losing four (including penalty shootout wins). None of those matches were against England. After Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to reach the semis, Messi said facing England is 'a unique game' and 'special.' England returns to the semi-finals for the first time since 2018, seeking their first World Cup final since 1966. Argentina aims to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup. This is the fifth World Cup meeting between the two nations, with the head-to-head record tied at 2-2. Messi has eight goals and nine assists against European teams in World Cups.
Yardbarker: SoccerMessi Set for First England Meeting as Argentina Reach World Cup Semi-Final
Lionel Messi is poised to face England for the first time in his career after Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in extra time in the World Cup quarter-finals. The 39-year-old eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored 125 goals in over 200 appearances for Argentina but has never played against the Three Lions. The semi-final will take place on Wednesday at 20:00 BST in Atlanta, broadcast live on BBC One. Messi, who leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals, failed to score in the quarter-final but remains the World Cup's all-time leading scorer. Pundits including Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney discussed Messi's unique qualities and potential defensive weaknesses. The match renews one of football's fiercest rivalries, with memorable past encounters including Maradona's 'Hand of God' in 1986 and Beckham's red card in 1998. Argentina fans have already been singing anti-English chants, according to South American football expert Tim Vickery.
BBC SportLionel Messi Set for First Ever Match Against England in World Cup Semi-Final
Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in his international career when Argentina meets the Three Lions in the 2026 World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday. Despite over 200 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina, the 39-year-old eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has never played against England. Argentina advanced by beating 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in extra time, with Messi failing to score for the first time this tournament but still leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals. The match renews one of football's fiercest rivalries, including the 1986 'Hand of God' incident and David Beckham's 1998 red card. BBC pundits Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney discussed Messi's unique qualities and defensive limitations, while South American expert Tim Vickery noted Argentine fans' intense desire for this fixture.
BBC Sport