Updated

Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 12

Messi Set for First England Clash in World Cup Semi-Final After Argentina's 3-1 Win

Updated

Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 12

Messi Set for First England Clash in World Cup Semi-Final After Argentina's 3-1 Win

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 12

Argentina's 3-1 extra-time quarter-final win over Switzerland sent Lionel Messi into a first-ever meeting with England in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final in Atlanta.
More than 200 Argentina caps and 125 goals into his international career, the 39-year-old has never faced England because he missed their only meeting since his 2005 debut through suspension.
Messi failed to score for the first time this tournament against Switzerland, but his eight goals still leave him level with Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race.
England pundits said Messi remains Argentina's decisive threat despite limited defensive work, with Wayne Rooney pointing to his concentration-testing movement and decision-making in key moments.
The tie revives one of football's fiercest rivalries in a first England-Argentina meeting for almost 21 years, adding fresh weight to Messi's long international career.

Sources

bbc.co.uk6h ago

Lionel Messi to Face England for First Time in World Cup Semi-Final After Argentina's Quarter-Final Win

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England, Argentina set up World Cup showdown after quarter-final wins

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16 Sources

Is Lionel Messi Argentina's greatest weapon or the defensive liability England needs to finally reach a World Cup final?

Can England's disciplined system overcome its historic rival, or will Argentina's legacy of individual brilliance triumph once again?

2026 World Cup Semi-Finals: Argentina’s Resilience, Messi’s Records, and the Showdown with England

Overview

Argentina and England are set for a highly anticipated World Cup semi-final on July 15, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This match not only carries the high stakes of a semi-final but also revives their famous football rivalry. England reached this stage after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Norway, while Argentina advanced by defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time, following a dramatic comeback against Egypt in the Round of 16. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, making this clash a must-watch as they compete for a place in the final.

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