Messi Missed England in 2005 After 47-Second Red Card on Argentina Debut

Q: At 39, can Messi overcome the last major nation he's never faced to reach a second consecutive World Cup final?

Yes — Messi can do it, but England are a very real obstacle. This semi-final is a rare gap in Messi’s career: despite 21 years at the top, he has never faced England, largely because the one-match ban from his controversial 2005 debut red card ruled him out of the last meeting between the countries. Now, at 39, he gets that chance with a place in a second straight World Cup final at stake. The case for Argentina is strong. Messi has been outstanding in this tournament, leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals, while Argentina have scored a tournament-best 17. He remains the team’s decisive figure, and Lionel Scaloni’s side still has the continuity and belief of the 2022 champions. If Argentina beat England, they will face Spain in the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. But the challenge is substantial. England have Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham in form, and Opta’s projections give them a slight edge, advancing in 51.9% of simulations. Analysts also point to Argentina’s defensive vulnerabilities and an occasionally unconvincing knockout run, including being pushed deep by lesser-fancied opponents. So the answer is that Messi can overcome England, but not because history guarantees it. It will depend on whether Argentina’s attack, led by Messi, can outweigh England’s depth, athleticism and slightly stronger statistical outlook. Given Messi’s form and record of deciding major matches, Argentina have every reason to believe he can carry them there again.

3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jul 15

47 seconds into his Argentina debut against Hungary in August 2005, Lionel Messi was sent off, triggering the suspension that ruled him out of a November friendly against England.
The red card came after Hungary's Vilmos Vanczak grabbed Messi's shirt and the 18-year-old swung an arm to break free; referee Markus Merk judged it a shove or elbow.
That one-match ban did not apply to World Cup qualifiers, so Messi still played three qualifiers that autumn, but it was served in the 3-2 loss to England in Geneva.
Wednesday's World Cup semi-final in Atlanta will therefore be Messi's first career appearance against England, despite his 21-year career, 205 caps and 125 Argentina goals.