Lionel Messi will have more than a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on the line when Argentina face England in Wednesday’s semi-final.
The Argentina captain is also set to reach several personal milestones, including his first-ever senior international appearance against England. In addition, the match offers the 39-year-old another chance to extend his World Cup records after helping the defending champions reach the last four.
Messi Finally Set To Face England
Despite spending more than two decades with Argentina’s senior team, Messi has never played against England.
The closest he came was in November 2005, when Argentina lost 3-2 in a friendly. However, Messi missed the game after receiving a red card on his international debut against Hungary earlier that year.
Now, the 2026 World Cup will finally produce the meeting that has never happened before, with Argentina and England battling for a place in the final.
Speaking after Argentina’s 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland, Messi welcomed the challenge.
“It’s special because they’re a great team, a powerhouse, and it’s always nice to play a team like that,” he said.
Five Records Messi Could Extend Against England
First Senior Match Against England
After facing Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Uruguay during his international career, Messi will finally add England to that list when he takes to the pitch in Atlanta.
Another World Cup Appearance
The England clash will add another World Cup appearance to Messi’s remarkable international career, which already spans six editions of the tournament.
Chance To Increase His World Cup Assist Record
Messi created Alexis Mac Allister’s opening goal against Switzerland to register his 10th World Cup assist.
He can now increase that tally again if he sets up another goal in the semi-final.
Opportunity To Add To His World Cup Goals
Although Messi did not score against Switzerland, he remains among the competition’s most prolific goalscorers.
In fact, the quarter-final ended his run of scoring in nine consecutive World Cup matches, his first scoreless outing since Argentina’s group-stage win over Poland at Qatar 2022.
Another World Cup Semi-Final With Argentina
Meanwhile, Messi will make another World Cup semi-final appearance as Argentina attempt to defend the title they won in Qatar four years ago.
The South American champions have reached this stage after defeating Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland in successive knockout rounds.
England, meanwhile, advanced after a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, setting up one of the standout fixtures of World Cup 2026 as Messi prepares for his long-awaited first meeting with the Three Lions.
