England's O'Reilly Prepares to Mark Messi, 39, in World Cup Semifinal
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 14
England's O'Reilly Prepares to Mark Messi, 39, in World Cup Semifinal
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 14
Summary
Nico O'Reilly said he "can't wait" for the "once-in-a-lifetime" job of marking Lionel Messi when England face Argentina in Wednesday's World Cup semifinal.
The 21-year-old has been Thomas Tuchel's first-choice left-back this tournament, but now faces Messi at his sixth World Cup, where the Argentina captain's eight goals have driven the holders into the last four.
O'Reilly said Argentina will be "fired up" by the teams' history and urged England to match their energy and passion while trusting his own ability against a player he called the best ever.
Beyond the matchup, O'Reilly said manifestation and a "winner's mindset" have shaped his rise from setting goals three years ago to picturing England's World Cup celebrations.