Wednesday’s semifinal in Atlanta will bring Lionel Messi’s first senior meeting with England, with the 39-year-old arriving after eight goals and two assists in six games.
Argentina’s system is built to free Messi between the lines, with Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul feeding him through central passing lanes.
England’s likely answer is collective pressure: Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson closing space, fullbacks tracking through balls, and the team trying to deny Messi both shots and creator touches.
That task is complicated by Messi’s wider tournament dominance—33 attempts, 60 passes into the box, 17 shots from outside the area, 10 career World Cup assists and 21 World Cup goals.
Tuchel’s side may also target Argentina’s narrow shape in transition, using width and pace much as Cabo Verde and Egypt did in tighter knockout wins over Messi’s team.