Messi Speaks Ahead of First-Ever Match Against England
Lionel Messi called his first-ever match against England “special,” admitting he has faced every major football nation except the Three Lions in his 20-year Argentina career. The Argentina captain made the comments after his side’s 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland sealed a FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal spot against England on Wednesday in Atlanta.
What did Messi say about facing England?
Messi told reporters that playing England carries extra weight because of the nation’s football pedigree, calling them a “powerhouse”. He stressed that his focus is purely on sport, steering clear of the historical and political undertones tied to Argentina-England fixtures.
Why has Messi never played in England before?
Messi and England have crossed paths only once at the senior level, in 2005, but he missed that game while serving a suspension after a red card on his Argentina debut. Since then, the two football powers never met again on the pitch, leaving England as the last major nation absent from Messi’s résumé.
When and where is Argentina vs England?
Argentina, under coach Lionel Scaloni, faces England under Thomas Tuchel in the World Cup semifinal on Wednesday in Atlanta. Messi, now 39, is chasing a place in another World Cup final after Argentina’s dramatic quarterfinal victory over Switzerland.
Reactions and Impact
Beyond the England buildup, Messi also praised his teammates’ resilience on social media, writing that Argentina “never stops believing” after grinding out a win over Switzerland. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez separately described the England clash as a “classic” that fans worldwide will want to watch.
What Comes Next?
Argentina must manage heavy physical fatigue from consecutive extra-time matches before facing England’s in-form side. A win would send Messi to his third straight World Cup final, continuing his pursuit of a second consecutive title as Argentina’s defending champions.
For more on Argentina’s World Cup 2026 campaign, see our [Argentina World Cup hub page]. Related reads: “Messi and Argentina’s road to the semifinals” and “England’s Tuchel era: How they reached the last four.”
